“We’ll deal with the cabin roof when the weather warms up in May,” Arthur said, signing his name in heavy cursive at the bottom of the financing sheet.

“Chelsea needed a respectable car for her marketing clients today.”

Eleanor straightened a silver spoon on the table, keeping her eyes on the tablecloth.

“Your father made a practical executive decision, Iris.

Chelsea’s business image reflects on the whole family.”

At half past three, I stepped out onto the back patio to get away from the heavy warmth of the oil radiators inside.

Damp winter fog hung low over the cedar trees in the backyard, smelling of wet earth and fireplace smoke.