Page 264 of Taken Away

“Some folks say Walter resented Harold. Some say Harold trusted Walter more than he trusted family. Some say Walter knew every secret on that property.”

Anne’s expression cooled.

“Walter was loyal to Blackwood.”

“To Harold?”

“To the place.”

“That’s not the same thing.”

“No,” Anne said quietly.

Burke let the silence settle between them.

Then, almost conversationally, he said,

"You loved Harold first."

The smile disappeared.

"Who told you that?"

Burke didn't answer.

Anne closed her eyes.

“Everyone knew, eventually. That was the trouble with Harold.”

“What trouble?”

Anne opened her eyes, but she did not look at Burke.

She looked past him.

As if the room had fallen away and left her somewhere else entirely.

“Men wanted to be him. Women wanted to be chosen by him."

Burke watched her carefully.

“That sounds personal.”

Anne turned back to him.

“Most history is.”

Burke let the answer sit.

Then he shifted.

“I’ve also heard all kinds of stories about you and Mabel.”

Anne’s smile thinned.

“I imagine you have.”

“I’d rather hear it from you.”