The Gilded Curse: Will the young heiress be the next victim of her family's curse? by Marilyn Turk Page B

turned to face her with a big grin, his arm resting along the back. “Yes? And what did dear Floyd have to say today? He was with his mum, I assume.”
    “Of course, until I left the table. But he followed me out, said he needed to talk to me about Destiny. He was very interested in what I was going to do with the cottage, and when I said I was planning to sell it, he intimated we might get married and keep it! Can you imagine?”
    Russell roared with laughter. “His mother’s always liked Destiny. I think she was jealous of your family for having it. You know, they don’t have a cottage of their own. They’ve always stayed in the clubhouse. So I guess she thought she could marry you and Floyd off and get the cottage in return.”
    “Well, she thought wrong. I wouldn’t marry Floyd Appleton if he was the last man on earth!”
    “Ha. Poor Floyd. Maybe his mother will find some other womanfor him.”
    “Seriously, Russell. I thought they might be behind the telegram, but it just doesn’t seem like their style. Of course, they were very interested in the cottage…”
    “Lexie, about today. Hey, I’m sorry I couldn’t go with you. Business, you know.”
    “Of course. I got there fine. Mr. Sullivan, the concierge, took me.”
    “Yes, I know, but I was surprised he didn’t stay and wait for you.”
    “He offered, but I told him not to.”
    “Bet you wish he had.”
    She sighed, then sat upright. “So someone knew I was going to the cottage or followed me. Wonder why?”
    He shook his head. “Well, I guess they want to know what you’re doing or going to do.”
    “Do you think it’s the same person who got into the house and tore up the desk?”
    A knock on the door and Russell answered. “Come in.”
    A young man entered carrying a silver tray with two silver pitchers, a sugar bowl, creamer, and china cups for each of them. A plate of lemon slices and a bowl of honey rested on a small plate alongside another plate of scones. The waiter placed the tray on the coffee table in front of them and handed them each a linen napkin. He poured hot tea from the small pitcher into one cup and handed it to Lexie.
    Lexie took two lemon slices from the saucer the waiter held out to her. The young man’s broad smile overtook his face as he beamed at Lexie. He offered her the honey and she helped herself, feeling the waiter’s stare. Her face grew warm, and she avoided his eyes, wishing he’d look elsewhere or leave.
    Lexie smiled at Russell over the plate of pastries on the tray. “Scones too?”
    “A little bird told me you liked them.” He gave her a wink and took the cup of coffee from the waiter. Turning his attention to the waiter, he said, “Walter, I hear you’ll soon be leaving us for the army.”
    “Yes, sir. I’m reporting for duty in two weeks.” The waiter snapped to attention and saluted.
    Lexie did a double-take. Could this young man be old enough for the military? He looked so boyish.
    “We’ll miss you here, but wish you the best. We’ll keep you in our prayers.”
    Did he say “prayers”? Lexie didn’t realize Russell was so spiritual.
    “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. But we’ll be back soon as we beat those Krauts!”
    Russell stood and shook the waiter’s hand. “You do that, Walter.”
    The young man gave Lexie another admiring glance before turning back to Russell. “Will that be all, sir?”
    “Yes, that’ll be all for now, Walter. Thank you.”
    The waiter bowed and left the room. Lexie stared after him for a few moments.
    “He seems so young to be in the army.”
    “I’m sure he joined as soon as he was seventeen.”
    Lexie shook her head, then took a bite of a scone. “These are as delicious as ever.”
    “Good to hear that. We’ve tried to keep our specialties consistent, even with the changes in kitchen staff.” Russell grabbed a scone and bit off a piece.
    “I noticed that most of the staff isn’t the same as it was when I was a little girl. But I do remember