Darkling Read Free Page B

girls.
    â€œMaybe.” Annie’s smile was wan. “I’d know if I tried.”
    â€œBut not today,” Berta said with meaning. She stood and began to gather the dishes. “Margo, why don’t you show Annie her room? Mimi, you can give her the books you picked out for her studies.”
    Margo’s chair raked the hardwood floor as she pushed back with unnecessary vehemence. She hadn’t touched her cake. Without a word she stalked to the staircase. Ten steps up, she turned. “It was supposed to be my room, you know. Are you coming?” she asked Annie.
    Berta carefully put the dishes down on the table. Her blue eyes shot fire at her daughter. “Perhaps if you asked nicely,” she said in a tone that brooked no sass.
    â€œAnnie, may I show you to your room?” Margo’s tone was barely civil.
    â€œI can find it myself. I feel as if I know this house already,” Annie said. “Don’t worry, Margo, but thank you. I think I’ll chat with Berta and Bob a little more.”
    â€œAnd I have to go.” Cora rose from her chair. “Annie, Berta, Bob—call me if you need anything.” She began the ritual search for her purse, and then the search in her purse for her keys. Cora’s mind was razor-sharp, except for keeping up with her glasses or keys or purse.
    â€œCan I take Annie to the water and show her how to fish?” Donald asked.
    â€œMaybe another time,” I said. My protectiveness for Donald was instant. Annie, while Cora might vouch for her, was still a stranger. I didn’t want her taking Donald off.
    Donald looked at me and then his mother.
    â€œMimi wants to introduce Annie to her studies, Donald. Besides, I’m sure Annie wants to see her room and settle in.” Berta put her hand on my shoulder. We were a team.
    â€œIt’s okay, Mrs. Henderson. I’m not tired. I’d love to see the property. Then I’ll focus on my new books. I promise.” As naturally as if they were siblings, Annie took Donald’s hand. “I’ll tell you a story,” she said as they went to the front door.
    â€œTwenty minutes,” Bob called out. “And don’t leave the front lawn.”
    â€œSure thing.” Donald pushed open the door and held it for Annie. “You’re gonna love it here,” he said as they left the house.
    I glanced at Cora, and I wondered if I had ever seen her happier. She was deeply invested in Annie’s tenure with the Hendersons. Despite the truth that all the years had handed Cora, she still believed in a happy ending.
    â€œMother, may I go and ride?” Erin stacked her empty saucer on top of the other. She was a fanatical equestrian. She rode every day and thought of little else. It was all I could do to keep her mind on her lessons, but I’d learned to associate countries, cultures, historical facts, and even math with horses. Anything horse-related held her attention.
    â€œYou may.”
    â€œThanks!” Erin bolted from her chair, gave Cora a squeeze, and sprinted from the room. She was slender but solid, and as she pounded up the stairs to her room to change into her riding clothes, I realized she likely weighed more than Annie. One thing for sure, Berta’s cooking would put some meat on Annie’s bones. When the children were gone, Berta sighed. “I don’t know what to do, Cora. Margo is determined to dislike her.”
    â€œAnnie is invading her territory.” I understood it clearly. Bob and Berta were dream parents. Margo had no desire to share. “Margo is threatened by Annie. They’re the same age, and now Margo has competition. It’s a hard place for her.”
    â€œThat’s unacceptable, Mimi. My children have everything and Annie has nothing. I don’t want them to grow up to be selfish.” Berta picked up the stack of dishes. When Cora moved to help, Berta shooed her away. “You were headed out the