a black turtleneck. When she came downstairs

he high-backed armchair by the firepla

ers. The

ing around her, offering tea, of

s head lolling slightly, a glass of water wit

snapped up. Her eyes were

ose said. Her voice was like c

ected nervously. "She's not-she

er cane on the

shut he

he didn't curtsy. She

t Arla's hands, no manicure. S

e to discuss the engagement details

udine gasp

" Rose said. "I

his lips. His eyes met Arla's over the ri

od up. "

ed. A stretch Lincoln l

Ellery's chair in the limo. I can sit w

limo door. She looke

s. She looked at Ellery, who was bein

said. "I get carsic

und. "Drive what? The tractor? You ha

hick roll of twenties she always kept for emergen

you there,

convoy, and out the front gates without looking back

his feigned haze, a single, sharp thought cut through: she