“Oh, I don’t mind sitting still. Needlework just wasn’t my thing, as much as Mother loved it. I had other interests.”
“Like what?”
“I collected teacups. Anything to do with tea. I used to dream of turning this place into a tearoom. Tea really is my cup of tea.” She laughed at her own joke, which made Natalie laugh too.
“And yet here we sit drinking coffee,” Natalie teased.
“Tea isn’t for everyone, and I wanted you to get your day off to a good start.”
“That was so thoughtful of you. The coffee is perfect, but for the record, I’m always up for a good cup of tea.”
“I’m looking forward to that. I hope we have many together.” Orene topped off her coffee and sat down again. “You don’t have to be in a hurry to rush off. That cabin has been there since the late 1800s. It’s not going anywhere.”
Chapter Twelve
NATALIE FELTbad for being so anxious to get out of there to see the cabin. Orene had a point. Whatwasher hurry? “I’m excited to see the cabin. I barely remember what it looked like.”
“Doubt it’s changed, except for some dust.”
“Jeremy was so relaxed here. Did I tell you he taught me how to fish there? I’ll admit I wasn’t all that excited about it, but it was nice with him.” Her voice caught. “Everything was good with him.”
“Sounds like you remember the most important parts, dear.”
“Yes. You’re right.” Positive thinking and determination drove her this morning. “We were all each other had; I mean aside from friends.”
“What happened to your folks?”
“I lost them when I was in my second year of nursing school.” It was still hard to talk about. Maybe because she never did. Jeremy was the same way. “I almost dropped out of school when they died, but they had been thrilled when I was accepted into the program. I forced myself to finish for them.”
“You’re a nurse.” Orene clearly approved.
“I am. Licensed with a specialty in geriatric care.”
“That must be very rewarding.”
“It was. I took some time off after Jeremy died.”
Orene’s eyes flashed understanding. “I’m sure that can be difficult. Don’t you become attached to your patients after spending so much time with them?”
Natalie struggled to swallow past the lump in her throat. “It’s very hard when they leave us, but it’s so rewarding knowing that I was helping make every day count.”
“I have a strong feeling you’ve been a blessing to many people.”
“Thank you. I like to think so.” She blinked, hoping the tears wouldn’t fall. “And I’m blessed to have bumped into you,” she added, trying to lift the mood.
“God has a way of bringing the right people together.” Orene gave a quick nod and a wink. “I believe that.” She reached over and touched Natalie’s arm. “Will you be looking for work here in Fulton County?”
“Yes. I plan to go back into nursing. Hopefully there’s a need for my skills here, but I could do lots of other things. I’m flexible.”
“I know someone who could use that kind of help. I don’t know what it pays, but I can connect you if you like.”
“That would be great.” She hadn’t expected to start looking so soon, but you couldn’t turn down a good lead when it fell into your lap.
“I’ll write down the contact information for you. I know you’re in a rush to get going, but before you do, would you like to see my collection of teacups?”
How could she say no after Orene had been so kind? “Sure. I have time for that.”
Orene was already on her feet. “Bring your coffee with you.” Orene carried hers too, darting through the door off the back of the kitchen, through the butler’s pantry, to a formal dining room. One entire wall was a built-in with glass shelves floor to ceiling of teacups, tea sets, and pretty little teaspoons displayed like jewelry.
