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husband,” Beth added. “He’s mean-tempered and . . . well . . . he’s just plain mean.”
    “Stranger, I didn’t reckon you to be a problem for these ladies, or I’d never have brought you to them.”
    “I don’t intend to be a problem for them,” the man replied. “On my mother’s behalf, I’ve come here on business.”
    “Harvey’s mother is still alive?” Gwen questioned. She felt a growing confusion. Harvey had told her his mother was dead. He had regaled her with sweet stories of his mother’s kindness and the joy he’d known before she’d passed away. She bit her lip and forced her eyes to meet those of the stranger.
    “Our mother is very much alive, I assure you.” This time the man’s tone had softened. He seemed to understand that Gwen was just as confused as he was.
    “Can we discuss this further over some grub, ladies? I have a schedule to keep, and I’m fallin’ behind.” Joe raised his eyebrows in a hopeful gesture.
    “Come on in,” Gwen said, moving to the door. “We’ll have food on the table in two minutes. Beth, Lacy—come help me. Joe, show our guest to the table.”
    “Sure thing, Miss Gwen.”
    The girls headed into the kitchen while Joe and the stranger could be heard talking in the dining room.
    “What in the world do you suppose he’s after?” Lacy asked in a whisper. The dining room and kitchen were open to each other in one great room, and Gwen knew Lacy didn’t intend to be overheard.
    “I have no idea. I’m just as stunned as you two,” Gwen said as she sliced pieces of ham for sandwiches. “I suppose, however, we shall soon find out. Mr. Bishop hardly seems the type to be refused. Beth, please stir the stew and make sure it’s warm enough.” Beth nodded and immediately went to work.
    “You aren’t going to let him stay here, are you?” Lacy asked in disbelief.
    “I suppose we really haven’t a choice. He’s come all this way,” Gwen said. She positioned the ham on a plate and then began to slice cheese from a large wedge.
    “But he obviously hates us—especially you,” Beth said, testing the stew. “He would make a perfect villain in one of my books. He’s got beady eyes.”
    “I thought you said he was dashing, with the bluest eyes you’d ever seen,” Gwen said, amusement in her tone. She drew a deep breath. “His eyes are quite beautiful and very blue.” She cut two more pieces of ham, then put aside the knife. “You mustn’t be too hard on him. He obviously loved Harvey a great deal, so we have that in common. We simply have to convince him that I am neither a gold digger nor a killer.” She smiled at her sisters but inwardly felt as if the impossibility of her statement was a weight around her neck. How did one go about convincing a man unknown to them that he could trust them and believe their every word?
    Beth and Lacy delivered the food to the table while Gwen brought the coffeepot. She poured Joe a cup and watched him take a large gulp before setting the mug back down.
    “Good as usual, Miss Gwen.”
    “Thanks, Joe.” She topped off his cup, then moved to the other man. “Mr. Bishop, would you care for coffee?”
    He looked at the table rather than meet her gaze. “Coffee is fine.”
    Gwen poured him a cup, then motioned for Beth to bring the cream and sugar. It was a routine they were all quite familiar with. Meanwhile, Joe began to pile his plate with food.
    “Ain’t no one got better grub than you girls.”
    “I didn’t realize you’d be coming through, Joe. I can fix something else if this isn’t enough. I do have pie, as well.”
    “No need to fix anything else, Miss Gwen. There ain’t time. I’ve gotta push on. Just pack me up a couple of pieces of that pie, and I’ll eat them on the road.” He looked at the other man and back to the girls. “I just wanna know one thing.”
    Gwen looked at the older man. “And what would that be?”
    “You lettin’ this man stay, or do I take him with me?”
    Gwen