A Lasting Impression

this is right.”
    Claire counted the column again, aware of her lips moving as she did and of the slow ticktock-ticktock of the clock on the mantel. She finally peered up. “Thank you, Eli. And you did it so quickly.”
    He smiled and offered a bow.
    “Have you always been gifted with numbers?”
    He shrugged. “I guess you could say that. It comes naturally to me.”
    She looked at the columns and rows of figures. “I wish it came naturally to me.”
    “I’d be happy to work those sums for you later, Miss Laurent. If you wish.”
    Claire lifted her head. “Truly? You wouldn’t mind?”
    A smile spread across his face. “No, ma’am. I wouldn’t mind at all. I used to keep the office records for Mr. Franklin over in Gallatin. But that was a long time ago.”
    “Mr. Franklin,” Claire said. “Mrs. Acklen’s first husband?”
    Eli nodded.
    “I didn’t realize you’d been with Mrs. Acklen that long.”
    “Yes, ma’am. Her first husband bought me before they were married.”
    Bought me . . . The very term made her cringe.
    “Miss Laurent?”
    Claire turned to see Sutton in the doorway. “Mr. Monroe, come in.” She stood and smoothed a hand over her skirt.
    “Am I interrupting something?”
    “Of course not. Eli and I were just talking.”
    “If you’ll excuse me, ma’am,” Eli said, “I think I’ll take myself on downstairs and see if Cordina needs my help.”
    “Yes, that’s fine. And thank you, Eli, for volunteering to work these sums for me. I appreciate your help.”
    “Work these sums?” Sutton asked.
    Eli stopped in his tracks.
    “Yes.” Claire gestured, detecting censure in Sutton’s brief question. “Eli volunteered to help me with my expense records for the reception. I’m not sure if you’re aware, Mr. Monroe, but Eli once kept the office records for the late Mr. Franklin.”
    Sutton looked at Eli, whose gaze was considerably lowered. “I didn’t realize you performed that task for Mr. Franklin, Eli.”
    “Yes, sir, Mr. Monroe.” He peered up. “For the better part of eight years, sir.”
    Surprise heightened Sutton’s expression, followed by a flicker of admiration. Eli must have glimpsed it too, because the man’s chin lifted ever so slightly.
    Sutton looked at Claire as though seeking to explain. “I audited the Gallatin records when I first came to work for Mrs. Acklen. Those records . . .” The words seemed to stick in his throat. “Those records were the best organized and most accurate I’ve ever seen.”
    Eli’s chin raised another good inch. “Thank you, Mr. Monroe. I appreciate that, sir.”
    A moment passed before Sutton looked at the man beside him, and finally he answered. “You’re welcome, Eli.”
    With a dip of his head, Eli left, and Sutton closed the door behind him. Hand on the door latch, Sutton stared at her.
    “What is it?” Claire asked.
    “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your next appointment.”
    She glanced at the clock, scanning her memory, then shook her head. “I’m sorry but—”
    He walked to the desk, picked up the leather portfolio Mrs. Acklen had given her at Thanksgiving, and opened it. “November thirtieth.” He peered over the book as if the date should have special meaning.
    “I know what day it is, Sutton. But I—”
    “At twelve thirty sharp.”
    She knew full well there was nothing written on her calendar for twelve thirty today. Her next appointment was at half past one with a company specializing in decorative lanterns and other illumination devices for gardens. But still, she played along. “And what, pray tell, does this twelve-thirty appointment involve?”
    “Lunch, Miss Laurent.” He snapped the portfolio shut. “With me.”
    Claire walked with him outside to the gazebo nearest the house, the one he’d “fallen” out of. Inside was a patchwork quilt, spread on the floor, and a basket set off to one side. Filled with picnic food, she guessed by the loaf of fresh bread peeking out. What she noticed next warmed her heart. Dotting the blanket were red and orangey-yellow maple leaves.
    “You haven’t had much time to paint,” he said. “Not like you’ve wanted to. So I thought I’d bring some remnants of fall color to you. I caught a glimpse of the paintings in your room.” He got a shy look about him. “I came looking for you the other day, but you weren’t there and your door was open. The one of the hillside all ablaze is especially beautiful.”
    Claire shook her head, knowing it