Wilmington, NC 05 - Murder On The ICW

into any of the rooms and suites that are not occupied. And be sure you see the many common rooms."
    While Jon took pictures with a 35mm camera, I made notes and drew sketches. Jon's camera was essential to our work, a camera that had been adapted for use with a photogrammetry computer program that analyzed pictures and calculated measurements.
    The rooms were all beautifully decorated with original beamed ceilings and terracotta floors. Many of the rooms had lovely soft hand-painted frescoes. The common rooms included a grand dining room and a formal drawing room, a music room, a card and billiard room, and a wine library.
    Outside there were piazzas, seventeenth century fountains, and park lands.
    Our unseasonably mild weather stayed with us and we had lunch in a courtyard next to the kitchen. The housekeeper served us wild mushroom lasagna, a hearty table wine, warm crusty bread. Pears steeped in sweetened red wine for dolci , dessert.
    We entered the garden through a lovely arched walkway set in the center of a stone building which was originally the chapel. A shady gazebo stood before us, and beyond it lay a large expanse of green lawn that led to a pool. We strolled around the perimeter of the lawn, amid cypress trees, magnolias, and weeping willows.
    "These trees are just like home," I said. "The grounds here remind me of Airlie Gardens."
    We came to a lake with lilies and stately white swans floating on its surface.
    "Just like the lagoons at Airlie," Jon said. "I think I might be getting homesick."
    "Me too."
    Jon turned me to face him, tracing the curve of my cheek with a fingertip. "Ashley, I have something to say. I've been rehearsing this speech ever since we left New York."
    "Yes, Jon," I said lovingly, looking into his eyes.
    "I've been in love with you for two years," he said, "ever since you returned home from college. I'm sick of eating my heart out over you. I want you to marry me, just as soon as you are free, and for us to make a life together. We'll have a good life. I've thought this through. We'll work together, we can live at your house downtown during the week and spend our weekends at Wrightsville at my beach house. Everything will be perfect. It will work out beautifully. But you've got to say yes."
    I placed my hands on his chest as if to anchor him. "And I want to marry you, Jon. My answer is yes."
    "Wow! Wonderful!" he exclaimed. "She said 'yes,'" he shouted, picking me up by the waist and spinning me around in a circular dance. The swans eyed us warily and swiftly glided to the far side of the lake.
    "Then it's settled," he said, setting me on my feet. He seemed relieved, joyous. Had he been worried that I might say no? "Shall we tell them when we get home? Do you think Melanie will approve? How soon can I give you a ring?"
    I laughed. "We can tell anyone we want. And yes, Melanie will approve. Melanie has been pleading your case all along. Melanie says we are a perfect match. And she pointed out that Daddy knew you when he was alive, that he thought you were wonderful, full of integrity, a man among men."
    Jon beamed. I couldn't have said anything to make him happier. I thought back over the past two years. All the while I'd been caught up in the sizzling chemistry that passed for love between Nick and me , Jon had been right there, devoted and waiting for his chance.
    I'd thought of him as a work partner, a buddy, a brother. Now I knew he was everything I wanted, and more.
    "Let's wait a while on the ring," I said.
    "How about Christmas?" he asked.
    "Yes. I can't think of anything I want more for Christmas than your ring."
    He took me in his arms, held me close, and kissed me. "The Italians have a charming custom for this time of day. It's called a siesta. They go to their rooms and sleep. But I have a feeling they do more than sleep. Let's find out."
    "Jon, I want a baby," I blurted.
    "I do too. Several, in fact," he responded as he took my hand and led me to our lodge.
    "But I don't know if I can have them," I confessed.
    "I want you, Ashley. I'll take my chances."
    As it turned out he was right. There was more to do during siesta than sleep.

17

    As our jet winged across the Atlantic, bringing us closer to home, discussion of the troubles that awaited us there could not be avoided.
    At first we spoke of Italy, reminisced about the glorious light there, the gorgeous architecture, the ancient churches and the walled towns. We relived our romantic celebratory dinner of our last