Page 55 of The Sound of Harmony

Maude looked past him into the dining room, then glanced up the stairs before turning her attention back to Kendrick. “You know, your grandmother hosted our book club.”

“No, I didn’t know that.”

“She had such elegant taste, our Nancy. Always laid a beautiful table. I would love to have one of her serving pieces. Something to remember her by.”

“Did you have anything specific in mind?”

“Something small enough to slip by my son,” she whispered.

“Come on back to the kitchen,” Kendrick said. “Take your pick. It’s on me.”

“Well, isn’t that kind of you.” Maude practically dragged Kendrick to the kitchen. No one else was shopping at the moment, so they had the room to themselves.

“I’m afraid we already sold the tea set,” Kendrick said. “But we still have a few things.”

Maude picked up a red ceramic spoon rest and then put it down. She lifted the lid of a roasting pan, peered inside, then closed it. “It’s nice that Emma found work. She’s trying so hard to get her business off the ground. I worry about her.”

“She seems to be doing okay.”

“I probably won’t stop worrying,” Maude said. “I think she likes knowing an older person is watching out for her.”

Kendrick reached behind him and gripped the edge of the counter. Where was Maude going with this?

“This candy dish.” Maude held up a crystal bowl that would fit into the palm of Kendrick’s hand. “Isn’t it just the thing?”

“I’m sure my grandmother would love you to have it.”

Maude hugged the dish to her chest with a sigh. “Nancy and I used to stand in our driveways and pass the time of day. Cricket Lane isn’t wide. The neighbors are close. And with those big front windows, we can always see each other’s houses. It helped us keep an eye on one another.”

Kendrick nodded. He might be going deaf in one ear, but he heard exactly what she was saying.

“And I’m right across the street if you need anything. Or if Emma needs anything. Just give me a wave. I’m retired, so I’m always home. I’ll be looking out for her.” Maude’s voice was as warm as winter slippers, but her words didn’t sound like an invitation. They sounded like a warning.

“Thank you for the dish,” she said.

“You’re very welcome.”

“I’ll be seeing you.” Maude gave him a little wave before heading out. “Often, I hope.”

Kendrick slumped against the counter in the empty kitchen. He was starting to understand why Emma was so hung up on her professional reputation. The neighbors were always watching.

And they talked.