'Mary, dear,' that was a bad sign; Mother only called me dear at times of crisis. 'Could you please step outside the room for a moment? I wish to speak to you.' Mother's charming smile fooled nobody as she excused herself. 'This is mother, daughter business,' she said. 'I'm sure you understand.'
'Of course,' Mr John Aitken waved a fork. 'Women's talk, eh? I do hope that Miss Hepburn is not in trouble.'
'So do I, sir, 'I forced a smile. My legs were shaking as I rose from the table.
Father gave me an encouraging wink while Alexander surreptitiously touched my hand as I passed him. That was all very friendly, perhaps, but less than helpful when I closed the door and Mother took me unceremoniously by the sleeve and dragged me into an unused guest bedroom.
'Alexander Colligere?' Mother pus
