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“I’m just burdened and sad.” He forced a smile. “But I know God is with us and will deliver us. He has a plan, even in my dying.”
She nodded. “I know.” There was a slight break in her voice. She handed him her heavy shawl. “I think we should go.”
Just then Isabella came out of the music room and looked at her parents. “Where are you two headed?”
Daniel stiffened. They hadn’t yet told Isabella of her aunt’s death. Daniel had wanted to say something the night before, but word had come so late that she was already asleep. He had planned to tell her today, but she had avoided both him and her mother, heading out early for a ride with her maid and one of the groomsmen.
“We have a guest arriving at the depot.” Daniel considered telling her the truth then and there, but it would be horrible to tell her and then leave, so he said nothing. “We’ll be back momentarily and will then have lunch together. I’ll expect you to join us.”
She sighed. “Well, since Mr. Bailey is already staying with us, I can’t imagine who it might be. Should I dress?”
“Yes, that would be fitting. Oh, and you should know that Mr. Bailey will accompany us to the statehood celebration.”
She rolled her gaze heavenward. “Well, at least after that I shall return home and never be pestered by his presence again.”
Daniel and Helena exchanged a look but headed for the door at the sound of the train whistle. “We’re late.”
Isabella was happily ensconced in the music room, reading a book by the fire, when her father and mother returned. She heard Aaron’s voice almost immediately. He was speaking with her father. She made her way to the foyer as another man joined in the conversation. He looked vaguely familiar, but she didn’t think on it long because behind the little group she saw a face she’d longed to see.
“Diego!” She let out a squeal of delight and rushed to greet him. “Oh, how wonderful to see you. Papi, did you plan this?” She paused at her father’s side. “You are wonderful.” This was the best of gifts.
Her father shook his head. “I wish I could take credit for anything that makes you this happy. I’m sorry to spoil your reunion, however. We have some news to discuss.”
Isabella shook her head. “But Diego just arrived. I long to talk to him.”
“Later,” her father said in a businesslike manner. “We need to speak in the library. Aaron, I hope you don’t mind entertaining Diego while we’re gone.”
“Not at all.” Aaron moved to stand between Diego andIsabella. “Come with me, Mr. Morales. We can wait in the music room.”
Diego looked at Isabella with a helpless expression.
“Wait!” Isabella went to Diego’s side. “Why can’t he join us in the library?”
“This is a family matter. Now please, Isabella, don’t make this any harder than it needs to be.” Her father headed down the hallway with Mama at his side. The other man followed obediently, and Isabella knew she had no choice.
“I’ll be back soon,” she told Diego.
“Close the door, Isabella,” her father commanded as she entered the library.
She did and then took a seat at the table beside her mother. “What’s going on? Why all the seriousness?”
“We aren’t going to delay this,” Papi began. “Mr. Charles Williams is the lawyer who has handled our family business in California for some time. His father handled it before him, in fact.”
Isabella gave the older man a nod. That was how she knew him. He’d come to the house on one or two occasions. Usually when Aunt Josephina had business of a legal nature, however, she went to his offices in town.
“I remember seeing you at the house,” Isabella said, glancing at the somber faces around her. He had obviously come to share bad news. Was something amiss with the family’s holdings?
“We got word last night,” her father began, “that Mr. Williams was coming.” Papi looked to Mama, and it seemed as if his strength drained away. “We wanted to tell you before now, but the moment simply did not present itself. I’m afraid it’s your aunt.”
Isabella felt her throat tighten. “What do you mean?”
“I’m afraid she is dead, sweetheart. Mr. Williams has brought us the details. Apparently, she fell down the stairs.”
“No. No!” Isabella shook her head over and over. “This can’t be. She was fine when I left.” She reined in her emotions with effort and looked at the lawyer. “What happened?”
“We’re uncertain. Diego Morales was the last one to see her alive. He stated that he met with her that morning. After he left, her housekeeper found her at the bottom of the stairs. She had sustained injuries to her head and neck,” Mr. Williams answered. “No one understands what might have made her fall.”
“Oh no.” Isabella clutched her throat. “I think I might know.” She could hardly bring herself to speak. “She’d been having dizzy spells. Oh, I should never have left her.”
