Artemis simply couldn’t come anytime soon. Adam’s mood swings, coupled with Persephone’s confusion and frustration, would destroy any illusions the girl might harbor about her sister’s happiness. Persephone could not allow the child to return to Shropshire worried over the situation at Falstone.
What else would set Artemis’s mind at ease?
I have my own horse to ride. His name is Atlas. He is quite large but also very gentle. I ride nearly every day and am beginning to feel more confident in the saddle.
Adam bought me my very own riding habit, and it is quite the loveliest habit I have ever seen. I am to have riding boots from London as well.
Persephone furrowed her brow. Would it not put all their minds at ease to know, albeit incorrectly, that she found herself happily situated? One less family member to worry about would be beneficial all around.
We have had company of late. Indeed, Falstone has not been without visitors this past month. I am used to the close connections of our neighborhood and so have appreciated enjoying some of the local society.
Persephone winced at the massive exaggeration. The visits of Mr. Hewitt and Harry hardly qualified as enjoying society.
Before she lost her nerve, Persephone quickly finished her letter.
We have lovely gardens here that I will show you when you visit.
Please write again soon. I miss you. Please tell Athena and Daphne and Papa that I love and miss them.
Be good for your governess, and do not worry over the haunted castles. You and I shall overindulge our love of such things when we are next in company.
I love you, my dearest little Artemis.
Your loving sister,
Persephone
She sat back in her chair, feeling drained and heavy.
“Forgive me these lies,” she silently prayed. “But I cannot make my sister unhappy.”
* * *
“Harry was as impertinent as ever when I saw him an hour or so ago,” Adam said during the fish course of dinner that night. “I take that as an indication that he is recovering.”
Persephone nodded her agreement. She felt undeniably nervous. She’d attempted to improve her appearance. There was no avoiding black, however. If her wardrobe color had been the culprit that had rendered her “ridiculous,” she could do nothing about it.
Adam, it seemed, had drained his reservoir of conversational topics. The meal continued in silence. How would her family members interpret the awkward meals at Falstone?
How would she have described those meals in her lie-riddled letter?We have become quite comfortable enough to pass a quiet evening in one another’s company.
The lie sat uneasily on Persephone’s mind, and yet she knew she would never have offered an honest evaluation to her family.
“I had a letter from my sister today,” Persephone said into the silence.
“Which sister was that?”
Persephone felt sorely tempted to not continue. Why did he so often seem uninterested in what she said? “Artemis,” Persephone answered quietly.
“The youngest?” Adam concentrated on his plate of food. But, Persephone told herself, he had at least remembered which of her sisters Artemis was.
“Yes.”
Adam continued eating.
Pretending he had shown an interest, Persephone continued. “She dislikes her governess, but not for any legitimate reason. I’m afraid she feels a touch weighed down by the continued state of mourning around the house. She has requested, again, to be able to come here to visit.”
Persephone saw Adam stiffen at that revelation. He didn’t want Artemis to come, apparently.
