by JoAnn Durgin
Seth exchanged a grin with Caroline. He patted the empty space on the bench beside him and raised a brow. She took a seat but left a decent distance between them.
“The White Mountains are prime territory for minerals and gems.”
“I understand from reading some of the guidebooks that the Oxford Hills area, especially, contains some of the largest concentrations of certain valuable minerals to be found anywhere on the planet.” Caroline avoided Paulina’s stare. It wasn’t a lie, after all.
“Right.” Seth’s smile was engaging and she’d hit on a favorite topic. As if that was a surprise. “There’s no other place in the entire world in an area of the size of Oxford County—of which Evergreen is a part—that contains such great mineral diversity.”
“I can see why you love spending time here,” Caroline said. “It’s beautiful. Do you explore areas looking for rocks and minerals?” Maybe that was another dumb question and she scrunched her nose when he grinned. She liked Seth’s grin way too much. “Forgive me. I don’t know how to discuss it intelligently. But I’d really like to know.”
“Don’t apologize. Most people don’t understand what I do and I’m sure a lot of people find it pretty boring. I appreciate your interest.” Seth took a quick sip of his coffee.
“So,” Paulina said, swallowing a bite of her pancakes, “you’re like an Indiana Jones kind of guy.”
Seth laughed. “Sort of. I’m part of an exploratory team. We believe we’ll find large quantities of tourmaline on Plumbago Mountain and we’re planning an exploration there. But first we’re looking for amethysts in Stow. That’s our current project.” He shrugged. “Call it a hunch, call it intuition, call it God’s leading, but I suspect we’re on the threshold of some huge discoveries.”
“Like I said, Indiana Jones.” Paulina gave him a smile and slurped her coffee. “What other minerals are found in the area, Seth?” She winked at Caroline.
“Garnet, beryl, aquamarine and rose quartz are the most common.” Seth wiped his mouth with his napkin after draining his mug.
Paulina glanced at Caroline. “This place sounds more up-your-alley all the time.” She stopped mid-bite, her eyes wide. “Hey. Wait a minute. That’s why you brought us up here to Maine, isn’t it? You knew all along.” She shook her head. “Sneaky, but smart. Should have known.”
“Only what I read in the guidebook.” Caroline glared at her friend. She didn’t want to have this conversation. Not here, and certainly not with Seth sitting at the table.
“Why’s that?” Seth sounded intrigued. She’d thought he was about to leave the kitchen but Paulina’s comment had obviously caught his attention. Propping one elbow on the table, Seth angled his head against one fist, watching her. No, he wasn’t going anywhere soon.
Caroline cleared her throat. Might as well admit it. What could it hurt? “I’ve dabbled in jewelry design using some of the gems you just mentioned.”
“I’d call it a bit more than dabbling, Caroline. You have a unique talent for it.” Paulina focused on Seth. “She made a few pieces for a boutique while we were at Wellesley. The owner practically beat our door down for more designs and our girl here was in very high demand.”
Seth glanced at Caroline. “Do you still design?”
She dropped her gaze. “No. My, um, father put a stop to it. Considered it a trivial pursuit.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. “It’s a rather long and sordid story best left untold.”
Seth’s magnetic gaze studied her, but he refrained from further questions. More than anything, Caroline didn’t want this man’s pity.
“I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but jewelry made from minerals found in the Oxford Hills is one of the community’s biggest commodities. It’s always in demand. Personally, I prefer it to the moose poop creations. They’re crazy popular around here.”
Paulina spit out her mouthful of coffee. Clamping a hand over her lips, she swallowed hard before bursting out with laughter. “Oops.” Grabbing extra napkins, she started to sop up the coffee on the table. “There goes my ladylike image.”
Finding it hard to keep a straight face, Caroline laughed. “Excuse me, the what?”
“Moose poop. Sorry if the name’s offensive, but that’s what it is, so…that’s what it’s called. If it’s more politically correct or gentle for you, moose droppings. It’s actually a cherished souvenir around the Oxford Hills. I’m totally serious. You’ll find them in all the boutiques.” He laughed when he glimpsed their skeptical looks. “A lot of guys buy their girlfriends and wives moose poop earrings, necklaces, pendants, brooches…”
“We get your point,” Caroline said, shaking her head. “Sorry I missed them when we were in town yesterday. What are they, like petrified droppings?”
Paulina pushed her plate across the table. “And I think I’m done with breakfast. Thanks for waiting until I was almost done. I’d seriously question a man who gave me anything made from moose poop.”
“They’re quite interesting looking,” Seth said, his gaze meeting Caroline’s and lingering.
Kat chose that moment to make her usual dramatic entrance. Perfect timing, as always, although Caroline didn’t mind the interruption from their current conversation, intriguing or not. “Is it just me or is it terribly humid this morning?” She wrinkled her nose. Seeing Seth, her green eyes widened. “Well, hello again, Dr. Rock.”
“Good morning, Kat. To answer your question, the humidity is very high this morning. About sixty percent. Well, ladies, I must regrettably be on my way now.” Seth pushed away from the table. Caroline wanted to ask him about the rest of his plans for the morning, anything to keep him at the table and in their lives. He could discuss moose anything as long as he wanted. But, as usual, she held her tongue.
“Until we meet again, ladies.” With a brief salute, Seth turned and departed the kitchen.
“What a man.” Kat grabbed a plate and started piling it high with food. One of the injustices in life. Caroline had seen her roommate eat like a three hundred pound trucker in a highway diner and yet she never seemed to gain weight. Disgusting. Until now, though, the rigorous tennis workouts must have kept her lean. Kat dropped onto the bench in the spot vacated by Seth. “Oh, how nice. Seth kept it nice and warm for me.”
“Is there anything in life you don’t associate with a man?” Paulina balled her napkin and tossed it across the table at Kat, who dodged it.
Kat shrugged and bit into a biscuit. “Not much. Is there any honey?”
“At least you’re honest. Here’s some fresh blueberry jam. Try that. It smells delicious.” Caroline pushed the jar toward Kat and noticed they were both staring at her. “What?”
Paulina smiled from above the rim of her coffee mug. “Admit it, Prescott. Seth Barnes is the perfect man for you. He’s great looking, he’s obviously brainy, and the two of you share a love of rocks.”
“Gemstones.”
“Rocks, gemstones, moose droppings. Whatever. Sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship to me.”
“Or a really satisfying mountain fling.” Kat sipped her coffee. “Not that our prim and proper Caroline would ever consider such a thing.”
No, she wouldn’t. But if she did—and if he were the type of man to indulge in such behavior—Seth Barnes would be the one. But he wasn’t. Still…no. It was wrong to even think about such a thing. She wished Kat hadn’t brought up the idea. She’d seen what her father’s infidelity had done to her mother. Not that his adulterous acts had made her mother the closed-in woman she was.
What a messed-up family. Perfect on the outside but crumbling on the inside.
Caroline forced a smile. “So, good news. We’ve all been invited to the wedding reception this afternoon.”
Chapter 8
~~♥~~
The girls enjoyed a leisurely morning browsing in the jewelry and antique shops on and off the main streets in town. Kat splurged on some small but expensive pieces of hand blown gla
ss and Paulina found some unique antique kitchen utensils that struck her fancy. Caroline had in mind something she wanted to buy, but she’d wait until she could scoot down to Mahoney’s on her own. She glanced at her watch, not wanting to lose track of the time. As long as she returned to the inn before twelve-thirty, she should have enough time to get ready for the wedding.
“Caroline, come over here.” Kat tugged Caroline over to a display case in a small jewelry shop on Quartz Street. “Look at these amethyst necklaces. I’ve never seen pink amethysts before, but that’s what the clerk said they are. Aren’t they exquisite? Come on,” she coaxed, tapping a finger on the glass, pointing to a necklace. “I really like this one. I’m thinking of buying it and I need your educated opinion.”
Caroline stepped closer to the glass case. “It’s nice.”
“That’s it? But…?” Kat prompted. “You know, Caroline, you’ll design jewelry again as soon as you crawl out from under that huge rock you’ve allowed your family to put over you.” At least she’d had the decency to lower her voice with that statement. “Just tell me. Is it worth the price or not?”
“You bought the red garnet pieces without my approval yesterday.” That sounded snotty. Motioning for Kat to follow, Caroline stepped outside the store. Paulina sat on a bench chatting with a white-haired woman.
“You weren’t with me in the store yesterday or I would have asked you.” Kat frowned. “You and Paulina were in that antique store at the time. You’re here now and I’m asking.”
“I didn’t want to insult the shop owner,” Caroline said. “The proportions of the stones are wrong. To the naked eye, it’s pleasing, but it also looks like sloppy workmanship. For the money, I’d advise you not to buy it. Depending on how often you wear it, it won’t last long.”
Kat nodded. “And that’s what I’m talking about. You got all that just from looking at it for a couple of seconds? Impressive. You definitely know your rocks.”
“Gemstones.” This conversation was already becoming a running joke.
“Whatever. I need to go find a dress to wear to the wedding reception. Paulina? You with me?”
“Coming!” Paulina hopped up from the bench. “Nice to meet you, Marla. See you around.” The woman smiled and waved as they started down the street again.
“Listen, I’m going to run an errand,” Caroline said. “I’ll meet you back at Landon’s in a bit.”
Paulina checked her watch. “Sounds good. Hopefully we’ll find something to wear or else they’ll have to accept me in my shorts.”
“I saw the perfect dress for you in one of the stores yesterday. Practical yet dressy enough for a wedding. It’s in one of the cute little boutiques over on Elm Street,” Kat told Paulina before smiling at Caroline. “That dress you found in Lisa’s closet looked perfect for you, Prescott. Sweet and innocent but shows just enough leg to get a rock doctor’s attention.”
“Liesel.” Paulina and Caroline said the name at the same time.
“You know, if you’re going to be an actress, you really need to get the names right.”
Kat frowned, but Paulina made a valid point.
~~♥~~
“Why, hello there, young lady.” A portly man, balding with glasses, greeted Caroline as she stepped inside the door at Mahoney’s a few minutes later. “Now, you look like a woman with a mission as my wife would say. If you need anything, you let me know.” This man couldn’t be Clara’s husband since the shop owner had told her she was widowed. Must be another employee helping out since Clara might be preparing to attend Liesel and Paul’s wedding.
Caroline headed for the quilt rack. “I was here yesterday and one of your quilts caught my eye. I’d like to buy it.” She didn’t know why, really, but ever since Clara mentioned that Liesel had admired the quilt, the idea had planted itself in her mind. Not that she wanted to throw her money in their faces, not that she was trying to impress anyone, but this was something she could do. Somehow she’d get the gift into the wedding reception anonymously.
“Sure thing,” the man said. “Which one would you like?” When Caroline pointed out the one, he raised an eyebrow but dutifully pulled the quilt from where it was draped over the rack. “Ah, the double wedding ring one. This here quilt’s a popular one. Lots of people have looked at it but, well, to be honest, no one’s had the money to buy it. Have you, uh, looked at the price tag, Miss?”
No, she hadn’t, but it didn’t matter. “It’s not a problem.” A thought struck her. “You do take credit cards, right?”
“Yep. We couldn’t survive these days if we didn’t take them,” the man said with a light chuckle. “For something like this, using a credit card makes sense, but if somebody comes in for a few things that cost under five dollars? Well, that kind of confounds me.” He scratched his head. “Would you like your quilt gift wrapped?”
“You gift wrap? I mean, sure, if it won’t take too long. Or, if you want, just point me in the direction of the paper and I’ll take care of it. Do you have a box large enough?” That seemed the more important question.
“I’ll give it my best effort. Clara keeps a collection of boxes back in the storeroom. Let me go see if I can find one for you. Be back in a jiffy and then it might take both of us to get it wrapped seeing as how it’s so bulky. If you don’t mind helping.”
Caroline smiled. “Not at all.”
“Hey, Tommy! You here?” he called across the store.
“Yep. I’m here, boss. Whatcha need?” The question came from a nearby aisle.
“Watch the front counter for me, would you? I need to run to the back for a couple of minutes.”
“Sure. Be right there.”
As Caroline waited for the man’s return, she walked around the store. A card would be nice. Surely Mahoney’s had at least a small selection of greeting cards. Scooting over a few rows, glancing up and down the aisle, she found them. After only a moment, she selected a suitable wedding card and carried it to the front.
A young man lounged behind the counter, elbows on the glass top, playing a game on his phone. “Hey,” he said, standing up straighter. “Wow. You sure are pretty.” His cheeks colored and he dropped his gaze. “Sorry. Clara keeps telling me to stop saying things like that. Didn’t mean any disrespect.”
“None taken. A girl can’t hear a compliment like that enough. The other man is trying to find a box for me. I’m buying a quilt, and I’d like to buy this card, too.”
He turned and jerked a thumb at the quilt, neatly folded on the counter. “That one?”
“Yes.”
“I can go ahead and ring you up while you’re waiting, if you want.”
“That’s great. Thanks.” Caroline pulled her credit card from the pocket of the small purse she’d bought.
The kid glanced at the tag and let out a loud curse. “Sorry. Excuse my language.” He fumbled with the tag attached to the quilt with a safety pin and a short length of string.
“Here, let me help.” Caroline disengaged the tag.
“This’ll be my biggest sale of the year,” he said with a huge grin, taking the tag from her. “The whole decade, I imagine. You know how much this thing is, right?” He whistled under his breath.
“No, but it’s fine. Do you work on commission?”
“I guess not since I don’t know what that means.”
Tommy punched the numbers from the tag into the ancient cash register. Charming like everything and everyone in Evergreen. Picking up the greeting card, he punched in the SKU number and eyed her closely as he relayed the amount. If he thought she’d flinch, he was in for a long wait. Her dad insisted on paying her to clerk in his law office. Other than supplies for this trip, she hadn’t spent much since her graduation. Neither had she touched her trust fund left by her maternal grandparents nor did she intend to dip into it unless it was to help set up her own business. Someday. Somewhere.
“You must be loaded. Pretty and rich. What a combination. You need a younger brother?”
&n
bsp; “That’s no way to speak to our customer, Tommy.” The other man returned and gave her a nod as he scooped the quilt off the counter. “I’ll meet you at the table in the back and we’ll get the quilt wrapped. Tommy, you stay on the register.”
“Yes, sir.” The teenager gave her a sheepish grin. “Do you want a bag for the card?”
“I don’t need one. I’ll just tape it the box.”
Avoiding her gaze, Tommy pushed the sales slip across the counter with a pen and asked for her signature. After she signed the slip, he tore the carbon copy off and handed it to her. “This part’s your receipt. Thanks”—he glanced at the name on the card—“Caroline Prescott.”
“Thanks for your help, Tommy.”
“Sure thing. Come back again.” He handed over her credit card. “I’ll see if I can work on that commission thing.”
She smiled. “If anyone asks, you didn’t get the idea from me.” She paused. “Matter of fact, if you could not mention that I was the one who bought the quilt, I’d appreciate it.”
Tommy gave her a thumbs-up. “Our secret, pretty lady.”
She also made sure to suggest to the nice older man, Clyde, that he not tell anyone she’d bought the quilt. As they finished wrapping the package in a pretty floral paper, Caroline pondered how to sign the card. She finally wrote a simple wish for God’s blessings on the happy couple and signed it “A friend.” Adding the part about God’s blessings seemed appropriate and the thing to do for this couple.
As she prepared to leave the store with the bulky package, another idea popped into Caroline’s mind. This scenario was getting rather silly, and she suddenly felt like a spy trying to cover her tracks. Who knew who might see her crossing the town’s busiest street with this package? Remaining anonymous was the top priority in her mind.
“Tommy?”
