Page 13 of The Sisters of Sea View
He harrumphed. “Do you know, I specifically bought this property due to its secluded situation. The agent assured me the grounds were quiet and the neighboring homes private, and most inhabited only seasonally.”
“Things changed.”
“What things?”
“Our father died. We ... um, needed to retrench.”
“At my expense.”
“I hardly think...”
“What is your given name?”
She reared her head back. “Viola. But—”
“No, that was not the name.” His brow ... what she could see of it ... furrowed.
She said, “You corresponded with my sister Sarah.”
“That was it.”
An eruption of barking and calling came from outside, and he scowled at the shuttered window. “What the blazes is that racket?”
“My sister Georgiana. She is waiting for me outside with a local stray for company.”
“Another sister? Good heavens, how many are you?”
“There are four of us here.”
“And your mother...?”
“She is with us as well, though somewhat of an invalid herself.”
“Better you should have stayed home and read to her instead.”
Viola shook her head. “We must all help, either with the house or financially.”
“You chose this?”
“Well, Emily rather thrust it upon me. She placed the advertisement in my stead.”
“The fourth sister?”
“Yes.”
“I see. I am suddenly thankful I have no sisters.”
She managed a wan chuckle and felt his single-eyed gaze on her shadowed profile.
He asked, “Why do you wear a veil?”
She swallowed. “Why do you keep the shutters closed?”
“Ha. Well parried. Actually, the surgeon recommended a dark room while I recover. He recently removed a shard of metal from my eye.”
A wave of nausea washed over her at the very wordsurgeon.
Watching her, he said, “If that makes you squeamish, you had better leave now.”
