Foxfire Light by Janet Dailey

it.
    â€œThank you.”
    There appeared to be a great many unanswered questions in Linc’s eyes when he studied his friend but he didn’t ask one of them. Instead he made his excuse to leave. “I’d better be getting back to the place.”
    â€œIt was good to see you, Linc.” For once her uncle didn’t attempt to persuade him to stay or protest that it was early.
    A fact that didn’t escape Linc’s notice either. “I’ll see you on Friday.” His glance held hers for an instant. “Joanna,” he nodded in her direction before moving toward the front door.
    When it closed behind him, she looked back at her uncle, still puzzled by his behavior. He seemed to deliberately avoid her eyes and assumed a preoccupation that indicated he had a great many important matters on his mind.
    â€œWould you mind fixing the meal tonight, Joanna?” It was more in the order of a request than a question. “I have some things I must do. I’ll be in the study.”
    As he started to walk away without waiting for a response, she frowned and shook her head. “Idon’t understand you,” she declared on a heavy breath of exasperation.
    â€œIs something wrong?” His arched glance was too smooth.
    â€œSomething is, but I don’t know what,” she admitted and went to the heart of the matter. “Aren’t you
glad
Rachel is coming for dinner?”
    â€œOf course.” Again there was an unnatural ease to his reply that completely lacked expression. “Are you upset because I invited Linc? Haven’t the two of you patched up your differences yet?” His tone made it plain that he believed they had.
    Joanna wouldn’t be sidetracked from the real issue. “I don’t care if he comes but I thought you’d welcome the chance to be alone with Rachel.”
    â€œIt was your invitation she accepted, not mine,” he stated.
    That was the crux of the matter. Her mouth dropped open at this discovery her uncle was jealous that she had succeeded where he had failed. He disappeared into the study while she was still trying to find her voice.

Chapter Eight
    L ater on that evening, Joanna had the opportunity to explain to her uncle how the dinner invitation had come about and the reason she had been successful in persuading Rachel Parmelee to come. It had been a very one-sided conversation with Reece offering no comment and asking no questions. When it was over, she wasn’t entirely sure that she had convinced him Rachel Parmelee’s sole reason for accepting was based on a desire to spend the evening with him.
    Ever since, he had been moody and preoccupied most of the time. He wasn’t himself at all. Everything was left up to Joanna. He didn’t offer any suggestions for the menu or help in any of the advance preparations for the meal.
    The spinach salad was in the refrigeratoralong with the trout in its broiling pan, ready to be slipped under the broiler. The potatoes were baking in the oven and the broccoli sat in its steaming pan on the range, while the peach cobbler cooled on a wire rack. Joanna checked it all one last time before entering the living room where she had set the table, complete with a white linen cloth, candles, and the best glass and silverware she could find.
    The living room was too well lit, so she began a circuit of the room shutting off unnecessary lamps and leaving a strategic few on to create a more intimate atmosphere. The porch door opened and closed. Aware it was her uncle, Joanna didn’t bother to look around.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” he asked.
    â€œThere were too many lights on.” She stopped beside the fireplace and a trace of regret flitted across her expression. “It’s a pity it’s July. It would be nice to have a fire blazing away.” Then she turned and smiled quickly. “You look very handsome tonight.”
    Which he did. There was a casual