The Guests on South Battery by Karen White

the joy of the gift had transferred itself into her small fingers.
    â€œMelanie told me that you’ve inherited Button Pinckney’s house.”
    JJ began to squirm and I took him from Jayne. She settled back onto the sofa while I remained standing, swaying gently. I tried to ignore the grandfather clock because then I’d know we were far off our nap schedule.
    â€œYes. And I’m sure she’s told you that I have no idea why. Unless it was to punish me for something I’m not aware I did.” She gave ahalfhearted laugh. “It’s in really bad shape. I doubt I have the energy or interest in restoring it. I’ll probably take a loss and sell it as is.”
    â€œBecause you don’t like old houses.”
    Jayne looked up at her sharply. “No. I don’t.”
    Ginette regarded her for a long moment, making Jayne glance away. “I should get going.” She stood. “When would you like me to start?”
    â€œWould two days work? That should give you time to check out of your hotel and settle in here. I’ll have Mrs. Houlihan get your room ready. Would you like to see it?”
    She shook her head, almost before I’d finished speaking. “I’ll see it when I move in. I just have a suitcase, but I have more in storage. I can have that sent over whenever I figure out where I’ll be permanently.”
    â€œWe do need to move ahead,” I said gently. “Sophie is dying to get her hands on your house, and has already started making phone calls to people who restored the Villa Margherita right down the street.”
    â€œI really think I can give you an answer now, but I’m afraid it might not be the answer you want to hear.”
    â€œI just want my clients to end up where they’re supposed to be. I can handle Sophie’s disappointment.” I tried to wipe the image of me in a turban on a flyer out of my mind.
    My mother stood and approached us, Sarah still focused on the beads of the necklace. “Jayne, we’ve only just met, so I don’t know you. But I did know Button very well, for a long time. I know she loved that house. Loved how she could touch the same banister and walk across the same floors as her ancestors had ever since the Revolution.” She placed her hand on Jayne’s arm. “It was more than a house to her. It became the child she never had, and the only part of her family to survive. She would not have left it to you without serious thought or reason. I just want you to consider that before you make your decision. Maybe the time spent restoring the house will give you the time you need to find out why.”
    Jayne took one long, slow breath. “Maybe I don’t want to know.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” I asked.
    She shrugged. “It just seems that digging into her reasons would be ungrateful. And . . .”
    I raised my eyebrows.
    â€œAnd sometimes the answer you find to a question is something you wish you’d never learned.” She was silent for a moment as she watched Sarah’s fascination with my mother’s necklace. “But I appreciate your insight, Mrs. Middleton, and I promise to give this deep consideration.” Turning to me, she said, “I’ll let you know when I arrive for work the day after tomorrow. Please tell your husband good-bye for me.”
    â€œI will. And he’s very intrigued by your story. As I mentioned, he’d be a good research resource.”
    â€œYes, thank you. I’ll let you know.” She said good-bye to my mother and the children, then headed for the vestibule to put on her coat. I followed her to the door, waiting as she buttoned her serviceable navy wool peacoat.
    I opened the front door, and she paused. “There’s one more thing,” she said.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œI’ll need a night-light shining in the hallway. I have one for my bedroom, but I need one for outside my