Wilmington, NC 10 - Much Ado About Murder

piano. Nothing wrong with the man’s hands and he has not lost his love of music.”
    “He said he was going for a stroll around the neighborhood today, Binkie , but I doubt he got very far. He seems to be in pain.”
    “Cam said the word at board meetings is that he needs a hip replacement,” Melanie told us.
    “Yes, I’ve heard that mentioned among board members as well,” Binkie said. “We’ve been wondering who we’ll enlist to replace him.”
    He got up and paced around the room. “I remember how disappointed his parents were when he decided to move to New York City after completing graduate school at Chapel Hill. But then, after they both passed away, leaving the house to him, he retired from his job at that hospital up there and returned home. He’s been a valiant supporter of the Thalian Association ever since.”
    In my arms Little Jonnie’s eyelids drooped, his blonde lashes fluttering on his rosy cheeks. Next to me, Peter had fallen asleep on Jon’s lap.
    “Looks like you’ve got some sleepy little fellers there,” Aunt Ruby said. “Oh, I’ve missed these sweet boys.”
    Binkie smiled. “Me too. I consider them my honorary grandchildren.”
    He stood up, and took Jonnie from my lap. “Now you just sit here and rest, Ashley dear. Ruby and I will take these little shavers upstairs and put them to bed.”
    Melanie followed them out of the room. “I’ll help,” she said and disappeared.
    Jon and I went into the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled my neck. His nearness made my heart skip a beat. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. “I love you, sweetheart. This is a big move we’re contemplating. I’m a little nervous.”
    “It is a big step. I’m a little nervous myself. I love this little house.”
    “Me, too. We’ve had a lot of happy moments here. I want you to look at the house right away. I need your opinion. And your professional assessment.”
    “It’s been a few years since I was inside that house. It hasn’t been maintained but basically it is a good house. About the same age as the Burgwin -Wright house. I’ll see it later today or tomorrow.” He moved out of my arms. “I hear them on the stairs. There’re coming back down.”
    “Go on out and chat with them while I fix us a pitcher of fresh tea.” I gave him a loving push toward the door.

    “Tell me about your trip to Washington. I want to hear all about it,” I said as I served Aunt Ruby, Binkie , and Melanie tall glasses of iced tea.
    “Oh, yes, Aunt Ruby, tell us what you found out,” Melanie said.
    “It was a most successful trip,” Aunt Ruby said.
    “I’ve got exciting news also but I’ll let my bride tell hers first,” Binkie said.
    In her eagerness, Aunt Ruby scooted forward on the sofa. “Oh, that DAR library is a sight to behold. My stars, the beautiful glass ceiling – it’s called the lay light – oh, it’s just magnificent.”
    Aunt Ruby is a dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and has recently been elected Registrar of her chapter. We knew all about the Chastain family history because our Great Aunt Lillian had been something of an amateur genealogist. But until recently little had been researched about our father’s ancestors. Several months ago we learned that we were descendants of a Revolutionary War patriot named Samuel Wood. Aunt Ruby decided she would research our Wood line for us.
    “Such a source of information that DAR library is. And, my stars, what a beautiful place. The glass ceiling was damaged by the earthquake Washington D.C. experienced last year. Who could imagine? DAR is raising funds to repair and preserve it.”
    “Damage from that earthquake revealed something I will share with you later,” Binkie added. “But first Ruby has news for you. Tell them what you discovered, my dear.”
    “Well,” Aunt Ruby began, drawing out the word, “I was able to locate a book about your ancestor, Captain Jonathan Wood. What a revelation. It included an interesting tale about his adventures at sea.”
    “Tell us,” Melanie said.
    “Let me get my notes. I want to be sure I have this right.” Aunt Ruby left the room and returned with a tote bag just bulging with papers. She dug around in it and brought out a spiral notebook, then opened it to her notes.
    “I found a book entitled The Surprising Adventures of the Brigantine Rebecca published by the American Antiquarian Society. The first chapter is devoted to