Chapter Eleven
Daphne lay on the bed and watched me, glowering, as I disposed of the shards of broken China and wiped the tea from the floor with a rag. When I had finished, I stood at the foot of her bed to be sentenced.
“I really was fond of that cup,” she said sadly. “It was my Grand maw’s”
“I’m terribly sorry, Daphne.”
It was more than just the cup though. The day had been spoiled. We both recognized it, how our moment of playful bonding had turned suddenly serious. I sensed regret in her, even a bit of reluctance. Yet we both knew that the rules of our game demanded severe justice.
“Please punish me as I deserve, Daphne.”
I threw myself upon the mercy of the court, effectively inviting her to do what had to be done.
It was the nudge she needed. She paused long enough to give me
