“Do you believe in legends, dear?”
“Welcome,” a quavering voice greeted them, brave in the vast space.
Meagan gave a little exclamation and whispered, “Mom, I do know her.”
“Come in, please. I am so happy you could join me.” Thin, withered hands motioned to a facing couch. “Nelson, please show them in.” Jennifer grasped Meagan’s hand firmly as the butler led them into the room.
The elderly woman’s smile mapped lines across her pale features. Her silver hair was pulled back to reveal a strand of white pearls looped over a simple charcoal dress. A bejeweled cane leaned against the arm of the couch. “I am Mrs. Bridgestone, and you must be Jennifer. It is so good of you to come.” The woman smiled knowingly at Meagan. “I believe your daughter and I have already met.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Mrs. Bridgestone,” Jennifer said graciously. “My daughter did not tell me you two were acquainted.”
“We met on a delightful occasion last summer. How is your beautiful young horse, dear child? I won’t make the mistake of saying ‘pony’ again.”
Meagan was about to say the horse was fine, thank you, when her mother interrupted. “We sold her two weeks ago,” Jennifer said firmly. “We had an offer too good to pass up.”
Meagan looked at her mother in surprise.
“Yes, so I understand. I was sorry to hear that.” The old woman looked past her guests and motioned to the butler. He carried forward a silver tea service.
Jennifer kept her smile fixed. “Your home is so lovely, Mrs. Bridgestone. Though I must say, I am confused about the nature of this meeting.”
“Of course you are, dear. Allow me time to explain.” The elderly woman waited as the tea was poured, accepting her cup with a polite murmur. “I am afraid, Jennifer, that by the end of this meeting you will quite think me a crazy old lady.”
Eclipsed by Shadow (Book #1 of the trilogy) won national awards including the Eric Hoffer Award for best Young Adult Fiction, and the Mom’s Choice Award for best family-friendly Young Adult Fantasy.
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