Chapter 4Piles of ancient books, diaries, and photographs lay strewn on the medallion-patterned carpet in Riverview’s airy library. A nimble breeze poured off the Vernon River and into the open east windows, carrying with it the sweet myriad aromas of peonies, honeysuckle, and loam, while making dust motes waltz in brilliant shafts of amber sunlight. The undulating buzz of a lawnmower signaled the prompt arrival of the weekly landscaping crew, creating a light, hypnotic din and silencing the birds chorusing the new day.
Clarice settled on the floor and prepared another foray into the mountains of leather-bound paper, the same as she had done every day since the embarrassing night when Monica bore witness to her multiple orgasms in the haunted bedroom. At least she could count her blessing
