Chapter 7 #2
“Trust me. I don’t think you were.” No matter how convinced he was now, that didn’t change the fact that he had no idea what he was thinking before our marriage any more than I.
I pressed my hand against my necklace, which hung hot around my neck.
I couldn’t help but remember the promise he’d made when he gave it to me.
But considering he didn’t have his memories, now didn’t feel like the right time to ask what he’d meant.
“I’m afraid we’re going to have to disagree.” He glanced toward the necklace, a thoughtful line on his brow.
“If you had been, I don’t think you would have canceled our honeymoon simply because Lady Catherine asked to speak with you.”
His brow furrowed, guilt flashing in his hazel eyes. “I did that?”
“You did.” I blew out a breath. Why was I scolding him when it didn’t matter?
Our honeymoon had been just another part of our agreement.
“Either way, we have to at least convince my aunt that we care for each other, because if she suspects that our marriage is a hoax, I don’t think she’ll give me the money for my shop.
” That same twinge of annoyance flared up at the way my aunt was pulling the strings, but I couldn’t be too mad at her, not when she was acting in what she believed to be my best interest. And not when she had brought me to my arrangement with William.
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” he said. “I can be very convincing.”
I bit my lip. “Let’s not say anything about the amnesia. It’s just one more thing to explain, and if we can help it, I don’t want it getting around town.”
“Why?”
“Maybe the amnesia would protect you if the killer thought you didn’t know anything, but it also might put you in danger because they might feel the need to finish the job before you remember something.”
“Fair enough.”
I opened my door, and the roar of the ocean greeted me. The waves crashed against the shore with foamy white caps that matched the snow dotting the ground.
Chiyo Obasan’s house nestled against the edge of the coastline, golden light spilling from the windows and snow clinging to the shingled roof.
A wreath hung on the door, and smoke puffed from the chimney.
I opened the bamboo gate that surrounded the property, and the candle inside a moss-covered stone tōrō lantern flickered to life.
William glanced at it but said nothing as he followed me along the stone path toward the door.
“Are you ready?” I asked William, one hand poised above the door to knock.
“Almost.” He hesitated, then carefully slid his hand into mine, our fingers aligning like a pattern he wanted to get right. His warmth chased away the night’s chill. “Now I’m more emotionally prepared. Holding your hand is exactly what I needed.”
My mouth fell open, and I almost pulled free, but that would defeat the purpose of it. I’d told William that we needed to convince Chiyo Obasan that we were in love, and he was doing his best to make it happen.
I knocked on the door, three brief raps that matched my heartbeat, and we stood there, hand in hand.
The door swung open, and Chiyo Obasan stood there. Her smile widened as she took us in. “Charlotte-chan, how lovely to see you. Aren’t you supposed to be on your honeymoon?”
“It’s good to see you too,” I said. “And something came up so we postponed our trip.” Even if I didn’t want to bring up the amnesia, I had to tell Chiyo Obasan about what happened. But I could at least wait until we were safely inside her house.
“I see.” Chiyo Obasan studied me intently.
“Can we come in?” I tilted my head toward William.
“Of course. Where are my manners?” She waved us inside and stepped back to make room.
We walked into the entryway and exchanged our shoes for house slippers by the door, then followed her down the narrow hall at the entryway, bypassing the door on the left, which opened into a living room with tatami mats.
The house smelled like nutmeg and anko, and my stomach grumbled even though we’d eaten dinner not long ago.
There was nothing quite like Chiyo Obasan’s home-baked sweets.
“Have a seat and I’ll get us some tea,” she said.
“Your hospitality rivals that of Rosings Park,” William said before she’d even made it a few steps, “and that is a compliment to be treasured, for Lady Catherine employs innumerable servants.”
“Thank you.” My aunt gave William a small smile and disappeared down the hall.
He settled next to me on the couch, not close enough that our legs were pressed together but close enough that he didn’t have to let go of my hand.
My phone buzzed with a message from Lizzy.
Riley told me something interesting I thought you should know.
What?
He said Dahlia found out something about Tessa. Riley was with her when Dahlia called and he heard her say, ‘Don’t tell anyone or I could lose my job.’
I don’t know about you, but that sounds like motive to me. At least it’s something worth looking into.
Tessa? My friend on the force? There was no way she’d do something like that.
Thanks. I’ll see what I can find out.
Chiyo Obasan reappeared with her favorite silver tray with green holly berries embossed on it. It was an heirloom from Japan that had been enchanted to keep the food on it piping hot. She poured us both a cup of steaming matcha, then met my gaze. “Now, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
I shifted in my seat. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard yet, but—”
Her eyes widened as she poured me a cup. “You heard about the tree lighting festival as well?”
“Wait. What about it?” I blinked at her. Had Chiyo Obasan really heard about some drama in town before me? It was as impressive as it was unexpected.
“Everyone’s so worried since the ceremony is only two days away, and now they’re not sure if we can do it,” she said.
“Why not?” William asked.
My aunt met my gaze, her dark eyes grave. “The Star of Everlight is missing.”