Edwina

Chapter 26

  Edwina accepted the classy black dress as a birthday gift along with a new pair of black flats with thin straps across the top of her foot, which her sister had insisted upon. She hated heels and refused all of her sister’s attempts to force her to buy any. After the late drive back to Niles the next afternoon, she’d not woke early enough to get back in time for church because Cecelia had not wanted her to leave. Strange, since they could hardly occupy the same space before one or the other went nuts... for very different reasons, of course.

  It was nearly four o’clock before she hauled the last bag up the stairs. Laundry was the first order of business, then the calls waiting on the answering machine. After the washer was pumping away, she grabbed a pencil and an old envelope to write on and pushed the button. There were six messages.

  Two from Cecelia reminding her to write down the telephone number of the Gillespies or “they would be up the creek without a stick.”

  Edwina had to laugh. Her English sister was forever mixing up American phrases.

  The next four were from different people: two employees from work, one friend, and a business acquaintance. All said something about a lady taking her job.

  “Taking my job?” The words hung in the air.

  “Why would anyone want to do that?” She shrugged and listened to the messages again, bypassing Cecelia’s.

  Each person sounded alarmed and seemed to want to say more, but didn’t. What had happened while she was gone?

  The only problem she’d had last week was the woman who’d come in to take her place while she was out. Surely .. .

  There was nothing to be done about it now, and worry was not going to be her best friend for the rest of this pleasant day. She settled herself in the soft chair next to the window in her bedroom. The sun would soon be setting, but for now Edwina turned on the little fan on the table nearby, stuck her feet up on the windowsill, and smiled. She would read while the laundry was washing.