“Let’s see how it goes. In any case, we’re down to seven rooms tonight.”

“Good riddance,” Carolee muttered, and made Hope smile.

“That’s what she said. Lizzy.”

“It’s so exciting.” Carolee’s bright hazel eyes danced. “She talked to you. I knew she would sooner or later. And if she’d let me, I’d give her a high five for chasing that woman out of here today.”

“We’re going to get a lot of rude or high-maintenance guests in the mix. It’s part of the hospitality package. But I can’t be sorry, either.”

“Sit down, have more coffee. I’ll get the tables set.”

“It’s done. I had plenty of time last night. Why don’t you fill the coffee urn? I’ll do the eggs.”

Hope liked the rhythm and routine she and Carolee worked out when they had a full house. And the snatches of conversation they managed between carrying out food, greeting guests for the day.

Despite the late night, several woke early and hungry.

She topped off Lola Redman’s coffee herself on a pass through The Dining Room. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

She spoke stiffly, but Hope detected more embarrassment than rudeness.

She checked chafing dishes, refilled, brought out refreshed pitchers of juice, chatted with Connie about the best antiquing prospects in the area, and with Mike and his wife about their planned drive to Cunningham Falls.

She gave all her guests high marks for steering talk away from the night’s disturbance, and imagined they all discussed it in detail outside of Lola’s hearing.

While some guests lingered over coffee and conversation and others went up to gather what they needed for the day’s adventures, Hope sat down to generate the Redmans’ bill.

Austin tapped on her open office door. “I’m loading up,” he told her. “Your key.”

“Thank you. I’m so sorry your stay wasn’t as pleasant as you’d hoped.”

“No fault of yours. I enjoyed it.”

“I hope you did. Do you want to leave the charges on your card?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Just give me a moment.”

“I think I’ll grab a couple bottles of water for the road.”

“Help yourself.”

When she went in, he stood in the kitchen chatting amiably with Carolee. “Thank you, Austin. Have a safe trip.”

“You went out of your way.” He took her hand, pressed bills into it.

“No, that’s not necessary.”

“Please. I’d consider it a favor if you’d take it. It was nice meeting both of you. You take care now.”

As he left, Hope looked down at the two folded fifties in her hand.

“It’s his way of apologizing,” Carolee said. “You don’t turn away a sincere apology.”

“It still wasn’t necessary. Here. Your half.”

Carolee shook her head. “That’s yours, honey.”

“Carolee—”