Heritage of Lancaster County 02 The Confession by Unknown

say."
    "Supposedly, Mrs. Bennett is meeting with the young Amishwoman in her private quarters as we speak." Garrett glanced at his watch. "I mustn't delay now, Uncle," he said, "if tea is to be served on time."
    "Very well." Theodore scanned the maze of banisters and landings overhead. Wouldn't do to get caught dawdling in the hallway. Then resting his gaze on his nephew, he dismissed the handsome chap with a wave. "We'll discuss it later.., after tea."
    Which was to say that Garrett would surely pay strict attention while attending to tea in Mrs. Bennett's suite, after which he would doubtless report to his uncle.
    Returning to his own quarters, he mused over the happenings of the past few days. The missus had looked so pale and wan that day he'd driven her to visit the family lawyer. Surely such a reunion--with the daughter she'd lost-- would only serve to sap the little strength she had left.
    Had the young lady gotten wind of the fortune she was heir to? Doubtless, she had not, with the will so newly altered. Nor, Theodore felt sure, had Master Dylan. What with his comings and goings--of a dubious nature, to be sure--he'd scarcely stepped foot into the mistress's bedroom of late, not even to inquire after her health. Strange fellow, that.
    Still, it wasn't likely that Laura Bennett would have discussed her private concerns with her husband.
    Well, whatever happened with Mrs. Bennett and her daughter was entirely their business. Still, if it was any consolation, the day was young. Plenty of time for snatches of information from Rosie and, of course, Garrett himself.
    85 Such revelations might quell his fears for the mistress, or so he hoped.
    From the bus station across town, Katherine gazed out over the parking lot to the highway. It looked like a sea of automobiles, with not a buggy in sight. A green-and-white restaurant sign blinked off and on, reminding her that she hadn't eaten in hours. But she wouldn't reward herself with a steaming hot meal until her chore was done--locating the proper address for the Bennett estate.
    Why wouldn't telephone operators give out addresses? It was the oddest thing and made no good sense, because it seemed to her that if someone could get ahold of a phone number, they should also be entitled to the accompanying address. Unless, of course, there was another reason for the phone company's strict policy.
    She opened the medium-sized telephone directory dangling from a chain in a corner of the bus station. Scanning the listing for Bennetts, she spotted the name: Bennett, Dylan D. Elated, she jotted down the address on a pad of paper and marched up to one of the ticket counters.
    The silver-haired man was eager to help. "Everyone knows the Bennett mansion," he told her. "In fact, any cab driver in town can take you there . . . blindfolded."
    "Well, that's mighty good news. Thank you." She immediately thought about calling a cab. But the idea of heading out to meet her natural mother, stomach growling and with a dizzy head, was much too discouraging.
    The bus trip from Lancaster had been a long, tiresome one. An impulsive peek at the cosmetic case in her handbag told her she ought to freshen up before scurrying across the road for a late lunch.
    So she headed to the public rest room and splashed
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    water on her face, then combed her hair, still marveling at the way it played in soft waves over her shoulders. No more middle part, with her crowning glory all done up in an ugly bun and hidden away under a devotional kapp.
    But that was then, and this was now. Best to put out of her mind the Old Ways and plan her course of action for the whole new life awaiting her.
    The restaurant was abuzz with talk, and even after the cheerful waitress served up Katherine's plate of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn, she stood around, eager to chat. About the town mayor. About the problems her husband was having at his new job. About everything and nothing at all.
    When she paused for breath, and