A Lasting Impression

in his life. She was sweet and kind and possessed a tenderness of heart that appealed to a man’s innate sense of wanting to protect. Cara Netta could be headstrong and opinionated when her wishes were crossed. But then who couldn’t be, on occasion? She was fiercely loyal to family and had adored her father, doting on his every word. And Sutton knew she missed him. Conversation with Cara Netta came easily—it always had—and no matter the subject, he noticed, she always steered it back to him. What he’d been working on at the law firm. What he’d been doing that week for Mrs. Acklen.
    But never did she mention the thoroughbred farm. Not once.
    On two occasions in recent days, he’d attempted to speak with her about the future of their relationship. The first time, she’d deftly skirted the issue. The next, they’d been interrupted by Diddie, though he still wondered whether that had been an accident or more of a planned interruption.
    The carriage passed the conservatory and water tower, and the mansion came into view.
    Bathed in an October sun and set against a cloudless azure sky, the manor more closely resembled an oil on canvas than a real image, and it occurred to him then how easy it was to speak of “ the fine fabric of one’s character and the qualities that mattered most ” when your financial standing was secure, unthreatened.
    Adelicia shifted on the carriage seat opposite his and cut him a look. “Perhaps this is none of my business, Mr. Monroe, but from what little I’ve heard, the case on which you and Counselor Holbrook are collaborating could end up being one of a rather lucrative nature, should you succeed in winning. Which would dramatically alter your financial standing and therefore your ability to move forward with more . . . personal ventures.” Adelicia’s tone held encouragement, and hinted at her appetite for gossip.
    Sutton leaned forward, trusting her but still mindful of what he said. “It could. If we win. Which is anyone’s guess at this point.” Local investigators were researching the sales and purchases of hundreds of works of art across the country. It was tedious work, and they had recovered fraudulent paintings. That wasn’t the issue. It was identifying the forgers and, even more importantly for prosecution, finding the swindlers—those who had negotiated the exchange of goods in acceptance of payment, all under the guise that the art was original—that was proving to be next to impossible.
    One would think that art dealers and collectors would keep more meticulous records. Then again, thinking of Adelicia, Sutton knew that wasn’t true. How many times had he insisted that her art collection be properly cataloged? And yet, that still remained to be accomplished.
    They rounded the last garden, and he counted the seconds, eager to be out of the confines of the carriage and of this conversation, and to go for a good long ride with Truxton.
    “Marriages are built on many different foundations, Mr. Monroe.”
    Sutton looked across from him, expecting to see that arched brow of hers again. But Adelicia’s expression was all sincerity.
    “Some are more deliberate,” she continued, “a choice made after thorough examination. Others involve far more of the heart. Make sure you choose wisely, for each has its rewards . . . and its costs.”
    The squeak of carriage wheels on packed dirt bracketed her counsel, and it occurred to him that she might be speaking of her own situation, and not him. He asked as much.
    She hedged a smile. “I suppose you could say that I’m advising us both.”
    He stared. “You’re contemplating a third marriage, ma’am?” His thoughts jumped to Lucius Polk.
    She didn’t answer.
    “It’s a bold question, I know, Mrs. Acklen. But I believe our relationship can sustain such.”
    Her eyes narrowed playfully. “I’m considering it, Mr. Monroe, and we’ll leave it at that. But I do believe, with all my heart, that you and Cara Netta would make a handsome couple. Your strengths as individuals complement one another. You’re dependable to a fault—she’s spontaneous at heart. You analyze every decision before making a move—she acts in the moment and embraces life’s joys.” She raised a shoulder and let it fall. “In the event that you desired my opinion.”
    He merely nodded, listening, but his mind was already working through the financial ramifications should she seek matrimony for a third time. She’d required Joseph