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Lacie stood. “Good. Raven and Braxton are going to have dinner, so I’ll take this and leave them to it. If the portrait draws any nibbles, I’ll let you know.” Portrait in hand, she flashed Raven a wink and exited.
Renay said, “You two enjoy your dinner. Aunt Hazel, the rest of us will be waiting downstairs.”
As the cousins trooped out, they gave Raven knowing smiles, and she wanted to stake each and every one of them to an anthill for finding her dealings with Steele so amusing.
Her mother said, “Having dinner together is a good idea. Braxton, your father said you two came straight here from the train and haven’t had a chance to search out a boardinghouse. We’ve plenty of extra room, so I’ve invited him to stay here. He’s agreed, so of course you’re welcome here as well.”
“Thank you. I’ll accept your kind offer.”
She then spoke to Raven. “Vana has a pot of gumbo going. You two are welcome to use the verandah here for your meal if you like. I’ll send someone up with the food and make sure you aren’t disturbed.”
Having no other choice, Raven offered her thanks.
Hazel departed, and Raven and Brax were alone. He asked, “What’s gumbo?”
“A kind of soup. Everyone in Louisiana enjoys it.”
“Then I’ll look forward to tasting it. Can you show me where I can wash my hands?”
She nodded tightly. “This way.”
