Chapter 72

Returning downstairs, he joined his aunt at the kitchen table that sat next to the large window overlooking the back garden.

The sight caught Garner’s attention. It was impressive, an expression of his aunt’s abiding passion for gardening.

“Beautiful!” he murmured as he sat down and took a drink of the lemonade. Then he looked at his aunt.

“You said—something bright?”

She was momentarily nonplused, but then smiled. “Oh, pay no attention. It guess it’s just—I don’t know.” She shook her head, adding, “Something.” She looked him up and down again. “But you certainly have lost weight, and I have to say, you look much—better.”

She said the last word hesitantly, which made Garner feel odd.

Evidently noticing this, his aunt looked sheepish and sighed.

“I—” she began and then stopped. Finally, looking out the window, she said, “I guess maybe it was partly my fault.”

“What!” Garner stared. “What are you talking about?”