Chapter 16
After supper Nana excuses herself, claiming the hour is late, and leaves Miss Lucille and me at the table. As the servants clear away our plates, Miss Lucille gives me an impish grin I can’t interpret. “When we’re finished, Daddy usually likes to have a smoke in the study.”
I don’t know if that’s an invitation or what. “I don’t smoke.”
“Oh, I know that.” The off-hand manner in which she says it makes me curious; at the quizzical look I give her, she explains, “I’d smell it on you if you did. Men who smoke stink for miles. I’ve tried telling Daddy that, but he doesn’t listen.”
The table is bare before us, and I’m suddenly well aware of the fact that we’re alone. It’s so quiet, I almost feel as if we’re the only ones in the entire house. Pushing back my chair, I tell her, “I s
