Birthright

Baltimore. Keep it simple.”
    She capped the tube, replaced it. “We’re relocating here because you’ve accepted a position at the university. Wear your glasses.”
    “Teaching positions don’t pay that well.”
    “It’s family money.”
    “Cool. We’re loaded, huh?”
    “Modestly. And I’m a lawyer. We’ll stick with that because it may present an opening. Corporate law. I rake inthe dough. We’ll ad-lib. We’ve been doing fine so far. If we can get into the house.”
    They walked toward the house, holding hands. They rang the bell. After a short wait a woman in trim black pants and a white shirt answered; Lana’s hopes skidded. She was entirely too young to be Dorothy Spencer.
    “May I help you?”
    Stuck, she decided to play it out. “I hope so. My husband and I saw the house was for sale. We’re looking for a house in the area.”
    “I don’t think Mrs. Spencer has a showing scheduled for this afternoon.”
    “No.” Hopes lifted a level. “No, we don’t have an appointment. We were driving by, admiring the homes. I suppose it might be inconvenient to see the inside right now. Are you the owner? Could we make an appointment for later today or tomorrow?”
    “No, I’m the housekeeper.” As Southern hospitality won out, she stepped back. “If you’d like to wait here, I’ll check with Mrs. Spencer.”
    “Thank you so much. Roger,” Lana continued as the housekeeper started down the hall, “isn’t it lovely?”
    “Roger?” he queried.
    “I did fall for him first. Such nice light,” she continued. “And look at the floors.”
    “The other place was closer to the university.”
    She beamed, delighted with him. “I know, honey, but this one has such character.” She turned, acknowledged the woman in the slim beige suit who came toward them.
    Could be the right age, Lana thought. Looked younger, but women often found ways to look younger. “Mrs. Spencer?” She took a step forward, extending her hand. “We’re the incredibly rude Beverlys. I’d apologize for intruding, but I’m too delighted to get even this small glimpse of your home.”
    “The realtor didn’t mention she was sending anyone by.”
    “No, we haven’t been there yet. We were driving through the area and spotted the sign. When we decided to move south, this is exactly the sort of house I dreamed of.”
    “Tiffany.” Doug squeezed Lana’s hand. “We’ve just started to look. I won’t be transferring until the first of the year.”
    “You’re just moving to Charlotte?”
    “We will be,” he confirmed. “From Baltimore. It is a beautiful house. Big,” he added with a wary glance at Lana.
    “I want big. And we need the room to entertain. How many bedrooms—” She shook her head as if stopping herself, laughed a little. “I’m sorry. I know we should let you go, and make an appointment. I’m pushing a bit. Roger thinks January gives us plenty of time. But when I think about having everything packed and moved, learning a new area—new stores, new doctors, new everything—all while still dealing with two careers, it’s daunting. And I’m in a rush to start.”
    “I have a little time if you want a look.”
    “I would love it.” Lana started toward the main parlor behind her. “If it wouldn’t be indelicate, could you tell me your asking price?”
    “Not at all.” She named a sum, waited a beat, then continued. “The house was built in the late eighteen-hundreds, and has been carefully maintained and restored. It offers original features as well as a state-of-the-art kitchen, a master suite that includes a large dressing area and a spa. Four bedrooms and four baths, as well as a small apartment off the kitchen. Ideal as a maid’s quarters, or for your mother-in-law.”
    Doug laughed. “You don’t know my mother-in-law. You don’t sound local.”
    “I’m not. I’ve lived in Charlotte for four years, but I’m originally from Cleveland. I’ve lived in a number of areas.”
    “What fabulous windows. And the fireplace! Does it work?”
    “Yes, it’s fully functioning.”
    “Wonderful craftsmanship,” Lana added as she ran a finger over the mantel and got a closer look at the photographs scattered over it. “Did you travel for your work or your husband’s?”
    “Mine. I’m a widow.”
    “Oh. This is the first time I’ve relocated. Out of the state, I mean. I’m excited, and nervous. I love this room. Oh, is this your daughter?”
    “Yes.”
    “She’s lovely. Are