Jorden and Alex fell asleep. The chiming clock woke her again. Alarmed, she punched Alex. “What time is it? What if your mother gets back early?” Jorden’s voice cracked.

“Mother’s never early. It’s only eleven so don’t worry. I guarantee she probably won’t return until after three this afternoon.” Alex kissed her and lifted himself out of the comfort of the bed. “Get dressed. I’ll make coffee and toast.”

“I need time to shower—then I’ll come down,” Jorden replied.

“Okay. See you downstairs.” All was ready when Jorden appeared thirty minutes later. Alex handed her a steaming mug of coffee and a large slice of toast with orange marmalade.

“This is scrumptious.” Jorden remembered she had hardly eaten anything yesterday. No wonder it tasted so good.

“Don’t eat too much,” Alex warned.

“Why not? I’m starving!”

“We’re having lunch with Peter Hampton; he’s an old friend I want you to meet. I told him we’d meet at Rodono’s around one.”

Jorden barely listened, instead remembering her gift for Mrs. Whelan. “Oh, Alex, I brought a present for your parents, really for your mother. I’d like to find a florist.”

“For what?”

“I wanted to pick out three white roses.”

Alex looked perplexed. “It’s not necessary.”

“I know, but I want to. I found a porcelain vase I thought she might like—I love it.” Jorden wanted to put the three roses in the vase to symbolize Alex and his two brothers. “It’s my way of saying ‘thank you’ to your mother for the weekend.”

“How nice. I know she’ll like it.”

“Think we can find them today?” Jorden hoped the rosebuds would open before she left on Sunday.

“Sure. Just remind me after lunch.”

“I will. Now, please show me this wonderful house.”

Alex smiled. “Finish your toast and I’ll give you a tour.”

Jorden looked around the kitchen. The center island caught her attention. It was set off by the dining alcove and the fireplace to the right.

“Come on, let’s go through the butler pantry into the dining room.” Alex extended his hand, steering her past him. As Jorden passed through the pantry, she guessed the space must act as a buffer and a storage area between the kitchen and the formal dining area. Then, her eyes settled on a large remarkable antique cherry table which dominated the room.

“Mother loves this table. It’s been in our family for generations.” Alex radiated with pride. Jorden noted the pleasure in his voice.

“Come over here and check out these pocket doors.” Alex pulled three foot-wide doors out of the wall, demonstrating how to close off the dining area. “I loved to play with them as a kid. Of course it wasn’t allowed, but that didn’t stop me or my brothers.” Alex beamed.