Page 29 of Tiffanie

“Perfect. Sara, could I have some iced tea or lemonade?”

“How about both mingled together? That’s a perfect combination.”

“I’d love it.”

“I’ll bring some snacks as well, so the two of you don’t work too hard,” Sara said.

“Thank you.”

Tiffanie headed toward the office. She could hear Essie talking and figured she was on the phone. Taking a short tour around the foyer to give her privacy, Tiffanie examined a gorgeous silver tea set. She ran her fingertip over the scrollwork on the edges. She couldn’t imagine using cups that pretty every day. And the upkeep polishing the surface discoloration away would take lots of muscle power and time. Suddenly her dishwasher-safe cups seemed more manageable. Still, the service was stunning.

Hearing Essie’s voice fall silent, she turned to walk into the room. Her eyes locked on the couple in the painting, and Tiffanie froze. Was that Marmalade in the picture? Or Marmalade’s great-grandparent maybe? How had she not seen him before?

“Hey, did you get lost?” Essie asked from her doorway.

“Hi, Essie. No, I wanted to give you privacy to talk. I just noticed the orange cat in the portrait. I wonder if he’s related to Marmalade?”

“What cat? I’ve never seen it.” Essie walked out of her office to stand next to Tiffanie.

“He’s right there.” Tiffanie pointed to the place where she’d spotted Marmalade’s twin. The creature had vanished. “What? I swear a cat rubbed against Edmund’s leg in the painting.”

“That’s the weirdest picture. When I was a kid, I’d study it for a long time. Something always changed on the canvas between my visits. Now, I’ve noticed that Edmund’s watch chain switches from gold to silver. And my aunt’s necklace changes stones—diamond one time and ruby or sapphire the next. No one believed me.”

“They’re green today. Emerald maybe?” Tiffanie asked.

“Probably. Esther loved jewelry. She left me her collection. Maybe I should match whatever she is wearing in the picture.”

“Or maybe she already is,” Tiffanie whispered.

Soft fur brushed against her calves. “Eek!” Tiffanie danced back and laughed at herself when she spotted the cat. “Marmalade! Were you in that painting?”

“Meow!” Marmalade’s answer was vigorous and loud.

“I think he said, yes,” Essie whispered.

“He’s trying to convince you to let him out,” Sara said from behind them, startling Essie and Tiffanie. She held a big tray with beverages and several bowls and plates of food. “Could you get that for him? My hands are full.”

“Oh!” Essie darted to the front door and opened it for the orange cat. Marmalade paused before leaving to meow at a lower volume.

“You’re welcome,” Essie told him and closed the door behind the fluffy creature. She glanced at Tiffanie, and the two women laughed.

“What am I missing?” Sara asked.

“Oh, nothing. Marmalade seems to be everywhere today,” Tiffanie said with a smile.

“He’s gotten hair all over everything today for sure,” Sara said with a grimace.

“And knocked over my seating cards for the second time,” Essie said, shaking her head.

A loud bang sounded from the office. Essie and Tiffanie rushed in with Sara following on their heels. Marmalade sat on the outside sill of the large plate-glass window. He whacked the transparent barrier with a paw before turning his bottom to them and jumping to the ground.

“Sorry, Marmalade,” Essie called after him. The cat flicked his tail aggressively, expressing his aggravation with them.

“He’s going to leave a mouse in my slipper tonight,” Essie whispered.

“Probably,” Sara agreed.

Tiffanie couldn’t help but laugh. “You know he’s in total control of the household, right?”