Myra went to the guest room to make certain everything was perfect for Charlotte’s arrival. She could have had her friend stay in one of the guest cottages, but Myra wanted Charlotte under her and Charles’s watchful eyes. Besides, the guest room was located on the other side of the library, where Charlotte would have total privacy yet be close at hand.

The suite rivaled that in any five-star hotel. It was five hundred square feet and had a king-size bed adorned with Raso Quagliotti thousand-thread-count sheets, a stone fireplace, a wet bar, a fifty-five-inch television, a love seat, and barrel chairs. The bathroom was complete with a sunken tub, a separate shower with four showerheads, a heated floor, heat lamps, a commode in a private area, and a double-sink vanity that stretched across one wall. Floor-to-ceiling windows along the bathtub overlooked a garden. Myra fussed with the tulips for a while, then wrote a short note:

My dear friend,

I hope your visit with us will soothe your soul and bring you joy. Stay as long as you like. And you know I mean it!

Love,

Myra (and Charles and the dogs!)

She placed it against one of the vases and took a final sweeping look around the room. She was satisfied that this was a refuge for her friend.

The barking of the dogs signaled that Fergus had arrived. It was almost as if the dogs had a special yelp for every individual. Smart critters.

The English lilt in the background confirmed it was Fergus as he handed out treats to the dogs. “C’mon, girls, there’s enough for all.” He also knew to keep treats handy.

Myra often worried that the dogs would get fat on all the treats they got. Charles would argue that they had the run of the property and availed themselves of it regularly. “Enough cardio for all of us.”

Myra went to the master suite and picked a casual pantsuit and light-colored blouse. After checking her makeup, she slipped on a pair of flats and headed to the kitchen.

“It does smell delectable.” She gave Charles a peck on the cheek.

“You are looking quite fetching, my dear.” Charles eyed his wife. Of course, whatever she wore or didn’t wear, she never looked less than beautiful to him.

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Charlotte settled into the comfortable seat next to the window. A flight attendant approached her and asked, “May I get you something to drink?”

Charlotte thought for a moment, then said, “Yes, champagne please.” She was feeling good. Writing to Myra was the best thing she could have done for herself; Myra always knew what to do and what to say.