As he’d guessed, Linda was not there; and Cass’s reaction to the nurse’s absence was a mixture of delight and disappointment. She would have enjoyed seeing her friend again, but she liked having Jason to herself, if that were possible in a crowd; yet, she worried over what the congregation and pastor might think of her for being out with a man so soon after her husband’s death, though no one looked at her oddly and all seemed sincere with their genial words and expressions. She made certain she behaved as a perfect lady and recent widow. She had even worn her wedding rings for appearance sake, though she hated to do so since Tom had defiled their sacred marriage vows and she detested being dishonest in a holy sanctuary. She only could hope that God understood and forgave her selfish motive. * * * After having lunch at Mullet Bay, Cass and Jason stopped by her house so she could change into casual clothes. He insisted she not stay home alone on such a beautiful day, and persuaded her to go to his house to walk on the beach, play chess, relax, and have dinner that evening.
