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There was a pathway that ran parallel to the beach. We followed it for a while, she obviously trying to keep her lips clamped shut.

"Oh, you would find out from someone else, anyway," she finally decided. "He and Mai were practically engaged when she and her parents were invited to spend a week on this Greek billionaire's yacht. As it turned out, he had a son who had fancied Mai for some time. The talk was he bought her for his son. The Stones were suddenly buying property on the south end and soon building one of the biggest estates on the island."

"Why would Mai have agreed?"

'She lives like a princess on her own island."

"She couldn't have been very much in love with Thatcher if she let someone sell her into a marriage," I said angrily.

"That's exactly what I told Thatcher, ten thousand times if I told him once, but he refused to accept it. I hated to see him so heartbroken. That's why he became such a work-centered young man. Goodness knows, he doesn't need the money.

"As I said, you're the first young lady he has brought to this house for years. Not that he hasn't been on dates. I know he has, but he hasn't been with the same woman twice, as far as I know."

"I'm sorry," I said. "But, Mrs. Eaton..."

"Bunny. please."

"Bunny. I really didn't come here to find romance."

"Why, my dear, that's the best sort of romance there is, the one you never expected." she said, "When I first met Thatcher's father, I thought he was the most spoiled young man in the world. I had no intention of ever becoming his wife, but he was persistent, and he charmed me in so many little ways. I woke up one day and discovered I was in love. What a surprise! That's the best there is.'

"I suppose so." I said.

"How long did you plan on staying in Palm Beach?"

"Maybe a week."

"Oh, its so expensive at The Breakers. If you decide to stay longer, it would cost so much. I have an idea," she added so quickly I knew it wasn't remotely spontaneous. "Why don't you just stay here? We have so much room in the house, and we aren't expecting any guests for another month at least."

"I don't think..."

It would be such fun. Well invite different people over every other day practically, and you can listen and question them all. It will save you all that footwork. You don't even have to tell them what you're up to Just let them talk."

"But you don't really know me. Mrs. Eaton." "Bunny," she corrected.

"Bunny. How can you...'"

"Oh. I know you. I know you Look at you How could it be a mistake? Asher will be so pleased."

I started to shake my head.

"In fact, you should move in tomorrow. Why waste another dollar?"

"I really didn't intend to be here that long. I didn't bring enough clothes and..."

"So you'll buy some new clothing. What could you possibly need?"

I started to shake my head again. She seemed so determined. Was she hoping to be like Mai Stone's parents and buy her son a wife?

"It's settled, then." she decided before I could respond.

I was going to refuse more firmly as we turned a corner and looked down the beach. There, set back in the tall grass, was an artist's easel, However. I didn't see anyone anywhere.

"What's that?" I asked Bunny.

"Oh, that must be Linden's."

"But where is he?"