A Ruler in Disguise novel · Chapter 8 of 24

Chapter 8: Tea at Magnolia Hall

Magnolia Hall at four in the afternoon looked like a painting of money.

White columns, live oaks dripping Spanish moss, a lawn so green it hurt.

A housekeeper in a gray uniform led me through the front hall and past a wall of family portraits.

I did not look at them.

I was busy keeping my knees from knocking.

Marguerite received me in the conservatory, at a glass table set for two.

There was a silver teapot, a plate of tiny sandwiches, and a single folded check beside my saucer.

"Sit," she said.

"I'll stand."

"You'll sit, Miss Broadnax, or this conversation will not take place."

I sat.

She poured the tea herself with a hand that did not shake.

"I'll be direct, since you are the direct kind," she said. "My son's wedding is on Saturday. You have caused a great deal of inconvenience."

"Your son planted a necklace in my van."

"My son," Marguerite said, "is not at issue."

She slid the check across the cloth.

It was made out to Clover Broadnax for two hundred thousand dollars.

"That is your thirty-eight thousand, plus the lease on your shop paid for ten years, plus the inconvenience.

"You will sign a short agreement.

"You will leave Savannah by Friday, and you will never speak of the pearls."

I looked at the check.

Two hundred thousand dollars was every bad month of the last three years, wiped off the page.

It would have paid my father's medical bills and kept the shop alive.

I picked up the check and held it at arm's length.

"What would happen if I said no?" I asked.

"You have already seen what happens."

"I've seen what you do to flowers."

Marguerite lifted her teacup.

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