Worst Fears Realized (Stone Barrington 5)

“Certainly not,” Stone said. “If I thought that for a moment, I wouldn’t be here.”

“I’m relieved to hear it,” Vance said.

“Very few people know that I bought a house here,” Stone said, glancing at Dolce. “Although some of them are very talkative.”

Dolce gave him a wry smile.

Dinner resumed, but the conversation was more subdued.

“You certainly lead an interesting existence, Stone,” Lou said. “I’m beginning to think that your mixing in our little contretemps of last year was only a minor episode in your life.”

“Lou,” Arrington said, “you might keep in mind that the mess we drew Stone into was our doing, and not his, and that we all owe him a great deal.”

“Of course, of course,” Lou said, backpedaling rapidly. “And I, for one, am very grateful to him.”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard you express it,” Arrington said.

Lola spoke up again. “What mess?”

“I’ll tell you later, my dear,” Lou said quickly.

There was a long silence.

“Tell us about your new house, Stone,” Arrington said.

Stone was grateful for the change in subject. “It was once the gatehouse for the property next door, a place called The Rocks.”

“Oh, I know that house,” Vance said. “Carolyn Klemm showed it to me when I was house-hunting here.”

“And what is your gatehouse like?” Arrington asked.

“Two bedrooms, two baths, a powder room, living room, dining area, and kitchen. It’s shingled, like the main house, and has a turret in front.”

“It sounds charming,” Arrington said. “I’d love to see it.”

“Wait until I get it properly put together, then you and Vance must come to dinner.”

“We’d love to,” Vance said. “Do you know who bought The Rocks?”

“No, I haven’t met them yet.”

“You will, if Carolyn Klemm has anything to say about it. Carolyn is the social engine around here; she puts people together in amazing ways.”

“She’s been kind enough to ask me to dinner,” Stone said.

“Then you’re on your way; soon you’ll know everybody.”

There was another long silence.

“You’ve done a beautiful job with this place, Arrington,” Stone said, finally.

“Oh, this is my first visit to the house,” Arrington replied.

Stone winced.

Arrington jumped in to save him. “Vance has the most amazing taste and judgment about furnishings and antiques. When I walked into the house I felt as if I’d arrived home.”

“Vance,” Lou said, “how did a vicar’s son from the south of England come by such a gift for design?”