Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

"I know I'm right. Do you think if it had been the other way around, if Tony would have needed Heaven's help, that she would have turned him out?"

"I don't know. She turned him out of her heart for so long. I've got to know why. Don't you see, Mommy--"

"Well now," Tony's voice boomed, "how's the patient doing?"

He came in so quickly, I wondered if he hadn't been standing just outside the room listening to

our conversation. Drake didn't seem to be concerned. He stood up immediately and beamed. It was clear how much he truly respected and admired Tony.

"She's doing fine, Tony," he replied quickly. "There couldn't be a better place for her to recuperate."

"That's wonderful. Did you have a good nap, Annie?"

"Yes. Thank you, Tony."

"Please, don't thank me. It is I who should be thanking you. You don't know what your presence at Farthy, even for only a short time, has already done. There's a new brightness about the place. Everything feels fresh and exciting again. Even my old servants-- Curtis, the butler; Ryse Williams, the cook--are moving around as if they were years and years younger, just because they know you're here."

"I'd like to meet Rye Whiskey." I remembered he was one of the few people at Farthy Mommy liked to talk about.

"I'll send him up as soon as I can."

"And I'd like to explore the house. Maybe Drake will wheel me about."

"Oh, I'd like to, Annie, but I have to get back to Boston before the stock market closes today."

"Today's a little soon for explorations anyway," Tony said. "Give yourself a day or two to get strong and then I'll take you around myself and tell you all the history and romance associated with each and every nook and cranny."

"But I'm tired of just sitting in bed," I moaned. "Mrs. Broadfield has things planned out for you, Annie. You have physical therapy to do and a hot bath and--"

I pouted.

"If Tony promised he'll take you around, he'll take you," Drake muttered. I kept my head lowered but raised my eyes at him. I saw the smile ripple through his lips just the way it used to when I caught him watching me across a room back in Winnerow. That familiar look warmed my heart.

"I'm behaving badly, I know. Everyone's trying to help me and I'm just being a brat."

"But a beautiful brat," Tony said. "So you're forgiven."

"See what a charming man he is," Drake said.

"I see. Oh, Tony, did Luke call yet? Drake tells me he's been at Harvard since yesterday."

"Not yet. The moment he does, I'll have the message delivered to you."

"Just tell him to come whenever he can."

"Fine." Tony clapped his hands to end that topic of conversation. "Well, we'd better let Mrs. Broadfield get started. Don't want to stand in the way of your progress."

"Excuse me, sir," Millie Thomas said. She stood timidly in the doorway. "But I came to see if Miss Annie was finished with her tray."

"I'm finished." She came in quickly to take it. "Thank you, Millie." She smiled. "Whenever you're free, come up to see me."

"Oh." Her frown came fast but slight, as if such an easygoing and friendly mistress unsettled her, but our servants at Hasbrouck House were always treated like part of the family. Millie looked up at Tony quickly. "Yes, Miss Annie."

"And please, Millie, just call me Annie."

She scurried out of the room with mousy steps.

"I hope she will work out," Tony muttered after her. "Got her on rather quick notice from a new agency."