**
Mr. Lowsley Visits
You can show a foe to the door.
–Harry Finkle
The entrance bell rang once again. It was Mr. Lowsley, who allowed the shop door to shut loudly behind him. He scanned the shop with his beady eyes and smiled when he saw Miss Caroline.
“How are you on this lovely day, Miss Caroline? I’m sorry to hear about your terrible misfortune. May I be of any assistance?” Mr. Lowsley tipped his hat and grinned.
“It’s Miss Florentine to you Mr. Lowsley. How could you possibly be of any assistance to me?” Miss Caroline grimly inquired, then calmly took a sip of her tea.
“When you’re feeling up to it, I’d like to discuss the possibility of purchasing your house. Or should I say, what’s left of your house,” Mr. Lowsley said with a sneer, though he hid it with a crooked smile.
Miss Caroline gasped. She placed her teacup on the table. “Why on earth would you be interested in my home? It’s nothing but a pile of rubble!”
Mr. Lowsley cleared his throat, “As far back as I can remember, my father had always wanted to live in Finkleton. He loved this village, and it was his dying wish that one day I buy land and live here. For many years, I’ve tried to fulfill his dream.”
Mr. Lowsley seems to be sincere, Lizzy thought. Is it possible we’ve all been wrong about him?
“I’ve just lost my home, Mr. Lowsley. I will think about your offer, but I will not be pressured to sell it to you, or to anyone else for that matter. Do I make myself clear?” Miss Caroline pursed her lips together and glared at Mr. Lowsley.
“Yes, I understand completely, Miss Florentine. You need time after such an event,” Mr. Lowsley said. He tipped his hat again. “I’ll be around for a few more days, if you happen to make a decision before I leave.”
Rain suddenly began to pour down.
“Look at that!” Miss Caroline said. “Where was all that rain when my home caught fire?”
Just then Robert rushed into the shop yelling, “Jack! Jack! I need your help! The hourglasses! It’s raining all over Finkleton!”
Robert was taken aback when he noticed Mr. Lowsley and Miss Caroline. Robert’s gulp could be heard across the room.
Mr. Lowsley immediately stopped and turned towards Robert. “What was that you said, boy?” Mr. Lowsley demanded.
Robert’s lips started to tremble. He opened his mouth and tried to speak, but nothing came out. Before he could respond, Miss Caroline began coughing loudly.
“Mr. Lowsley, might you be a dear and accompany an old woman home? Well, to the Baker’s home, to be precise. I’m not feeling quite myself and need to rest for a while. We can have a nice chat about the possibility of you purchasing what’s left of my house.” She stood, awaiting his response.
Mr. Lowsley glared at Robert, then turned to Miss Caroline. “Yes, yes, of course, Miss Florentine. I’d be more than glad to walk you anyplace you’d like.” Mr. Lowsley held out his arm to assist her, then glanced at Robert one last time before leaving the shop.
After Miss Caroline and Mr. Lowsley left, Lizzy spun to face Robert.
“What were you thinking?” Lizzy yelled.
Robert hung his head, “I didn’t know anyone was here.”
“You may not have known Mr. Lowsley was here, but you knew about Miss Caroline!” Lizzy placed her hands on her hips and tapped her foot on the wooden floor, waiting for an answer.
Robert lifted his head, “How could I possibly have known either of them were here?”
“You spoke to her not five minutes earlier! You barged into the shop asking me if I knew Finian Beanly.”
“Who? I don’t know a Finian Beanly. Why would I ask you about him?” Robert crossed his arms over his chest.
“Robert, you’re driving me insane!”
Jack stood at the top of the stairs watching Lizzy’s outburst. He rolled his eyes. “Not again,” Jack mumbled, and walked down the steps.
Lizzy quickly explained to Jack what had happened with Miss Caroline, Mr. Lowsley and Robert.
“I’m sorry, Jack,” Robert said. “I honestly didn’t know they were here.”
“Robert, you’re losing your marbles! You spoke to Miss Caroline before Mr. Lowsley arrived,” Lizzy said. She narrowed her eyes and glared at him.
“Calm down,” Jack said. “I’ll try to find Mr. Lowsley and learn if he suspects anything. Meanwhile, Lizzy, please help Robert with the hourglasses. I’ll return soon.”