Pulling open the drawer, she drew out the small volume. She debated and decided she could take a few minutes to read some more of it. What would it hurt? Scooting up on the bed, she leaned against the headboard and opened the book. Flipping past the first page, she began to read.
The wedding supper was fresh lamb that Henry’s father slaughtered just for the occasion. His mother baked a cake and just about everyone in the town showed up, everyone that is except Edwin Brown. He wanted me to marry him, but the only man for me is Henry Sutter. He was Henry’s best friend until we announced our engagement.
Then he just turned his back on us. I feel bad for Henry, but there is nothing we can do about it. Hopefully, Edwin will come around once he finds a wife of his own.
We received the most wonderful presents: a pie plate, a fancy serving dish, linens, a quilt and so much more. Henry and I danced the evening away. It was the best day of my life. My parents were so happy, but none was as happy as I.
When we left the reception, Henry carried me back to our new home. Mama had come to my room the night before and told me what to expect on my wedding night. She lied. It was so much more than she’d said. I blush even to think about the things that Henry did to me, and I to him. I love him more now than I did when I married him.
“I hear you,” Amanda mumbled as she turned the page. “These Sutter men can be lethal to a woman’s heart.” Sighing, she flipped through a few more pages. There was a recipe for biscuits along with a new remedy Cecilia had tried for removing stains from linens. But underlying all of the entries was her love for her husband.
She made a mental note to mention the journal to Jonah. If Elizabeth didn’t want it, maybe he did. In the meantime, she decided to leave it up here in her bedroom. If it got lost amongst the many books downstairs, she might forget to mention it to Jonah until she’d had a chance to organize the rest of the shop. Plus, she freely admitted that she wanted to read a bit more. The journal was a fascinating insight into Cecilia Sutter’s life.
She felt that she and the other woman had something in common—their fascination with a Sutter man.
Closing the journal, she tucked it safely away into the drawer of the bedside table.
She’d been here longer than she’d anticipated. Her stomach growled and she glanced at the clock radio. It was almost time to think about supper. She’d eaten one of Cyndi’s muffins and a banana for lunch, but she’d need something more substantial for supper.
After a full day and half a dozen cups of lemon and honey tea, her throat was feeling much better. Maybe she’d open a can of soup and make some biscuits for supper. She thought she had all the necessary ingredients to make them. If she didn’t, she had a can of ready-made ones in the refrigerator. Reading the recipe in the journal had given her a craving for them.
She’d just reached the bottom of the landing when a knock came on the front door.
This was certainly a busy place today. She opened the door and smiled. It was Jim Brown, the realtor who’d sold her the house. Dressed impeccably in a gray suit with a pale blue shirt and a slender silk tie, he looked every inch the successful businessman.
She wondered if he was related to the Edwin Brown that Cecilia talked about in the journal.
“Hi, Jim.”
“Amanda.” He smiled and took a step forward. It was either let him run into her or take a step back and let him in. She let him in. He was a good-looking man if you went for the classic blond with an athletic build. But he was a little too pushy for Amanda’s taste. The trait was probably good in his business, but it would be hard to take on a regular basis.
“To what do I owe this visit?” Jonah was still here somewhere and this man was his ex-brother-in-law. Amanda hoped to avoid an awkward meeting between the two.
“I heard you had some trouble.”
“The police are looking into it.” She had no intention of going into the particulars with him.
“The police are looking into your electrical problems?” He frowned. “I don’t understand. And do you have a cold? You’re very hoarse.”
Amanda laughed at herself. Seems not everyone in Jamesville was aware of her business. “I’m sorry. I thought you were referring to the break-in last night.”
“Break-in? Are you okay?” His frown deepened. “Do the police have any leads?”
“I’m fine, and no, they don’t have any leads. I’m sure it was a random thing.” She didn’t think that for a second, but really didn’t want to go into it with him.
Jim nodded and pushed his sleeve back, glancing at the expensive timepiece strapped to his wrist. “I heard you had some problems with the electrical system. It was all outlined in the papers I gave you.”
So that’s why he was here. He wasn’t concerned about her, but about her causing problems for him. “I know. I rechecked the inspector’s report. It was my fault for not reading it more closely.”
Jim nodded, a lock of his blond hair falling rakishly against his forehead. “I’m sorry for your trouble. Let me make it up to you.” He smiled and leaned closer. “Let me take you to dinner. There’s a nice Italian restaurant in town, or a steak house if that’s more your style.”
Amanda was taken aback by the offer. She stared at Jim, noting how the corners of his blue eyes crinkled when he smiled. There was no disputing that he was a handsome man, but she just wasn’t attracted. Any man, no matter how good looking, would pale beside Jonah. “Thank you for the invitation.” She summoned up her best professional smile. “But I have to decline. With everything that’s happened, I just don’t have the time right now.”
He inclined his head. “I’ll ask again when you’ve had time to settle in.” Before she knew exactly what to say to that, he added, “At least let me help you sort out the problem with the electrical system. It’s the least I can do.”
She was grateful that she didn’t have to fib about this. She was no good at lying and didn’t want to give him false hope for a future date. “I’m having it taken care of.”
“By whom? I can recommend an electrician if you’d like.”
“She doesn’t need your recommendation, Brown. I’m doing the work.”
Amanda felt the change in the very air around her. It thickened, making it hard to breathe. Jonah sauntered up to stand beside her. The two men were a study of opposites.
Jim, with his blond hair and suave suit, was the epitome of the sophisticated businessman. Then there was Jonah. With his dark hair and rugged face, Jonah appeared stronger, more dangerous. It had nothing to do with the faded jeans and work boots he wore, but had more to do with the man he was.
This could get ugly. Amanda stepped into the breach. “Jim just stopped by because he’d heard I had a slight problem with the house. I assured him I didn’t hold him or his office responsible.” Turning back to Jim, she offered him a professional smile. “If that’s everything, it’s been a long day.”
He took the hint. “I’ll be going then. If there’s anything you need or if you change your mind about wanting my help, just call my office. They always know where to find me.”
“Thank you.”
He inclined his head to Jonah. “Sutter.”
Jonah just glared at him as Amanda ushered him out of the house and shut the door behind him. “Well, that was fun.”
“Stay away from him.” Jonah’s tone was harsh. He prowled toward her. She took a step away, but he kept coming. Amanda felt the door hit her back. There was nowhere for her to go. Not that she was afraid of Jonah, but she wasn’t quite sure what to make of his mood.