“No.”
Arthur’s expression softened.
“I did.”
“You already sent the letter.”
“What letter?” I asked.
Grace closed her eyes.
I turned toward Arthur.
“What letter?”
Arthur seemed surprised.
“Three years after your parents died, I wrote to Grace. I offered to cover household expenses and establish education funds for you and Annie.”
I looked at Grace.
She wouldn’t meet my eyes.
“You never told us.”
“You were eight,” she said. “Annie was five.”
“What did you say?”
Grace took a breath.
“I said no.”
Annie blinked.
“To money?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Grace looked at Arthur.
“Because we didn’t know him.”
“That wasn’t the only reason,” Arthur said.
Grace’s eyes sharpened.
“Don’t.”
But he stopped.
For the first time since meeting him, Arthur obeyed without argument.
Helen broke the silence.
“Grace needs rest.”
“I want to know,” I said.
Grace squeezed my hand.
“And you will. But not tonight.”
