.”I could see conflict in the parade of expressions across her features, but eventually she stepped back to let me in. “No ... er ... I’m due fo... a break, anyway.”She shut the door and I followed her through the house to the kitchen, where she meandered around starting the coffee maker, finding biscuits, that sort of thing. But she wasn’t moving systematically, rather, I thought, avoiding facing me. The coffee – which smelt wonderful – finished dripping through, and she poured a mug of it,. My aunt and uncle arrived on Sunday afternoon because my parents would be leaving that evening and my father wanted to go over some of the rules. They settled in the room next to my room. Then we all sat and had a family dinner and then my parents left for the airport.It was pretty boring around the house the next day. I went to school and came back and did my homework. My aunt and I would barely communicate, but my uncle would ask me questions like, "Do you need help with you homework?" I. After all, both Heather and I have escorts; it would have been unfair tohave you arrive alone."Fortunately, I managed to keep my composure. "Maybe Mummy's genes docount. Apples, trees? There has to be something deeper there," Ithought. However, it all was far too deep for tonight.With a slight bow, Hugh announced, "Madame, it is not only my pleasureto escort your lovely daughter, but also my deep honor!"He, as well, took my hand to kiss it. Now I knew what to do - whatworked last night with one. The maid looked out to the water. Had the tide turned yet, she mused. Was it in ebb or flow? She knew not but she would find out soon enough. She wished she could forgive her unknown accusers. Who had disliked her so much that they had witnessed against her? Maybe it was jealousy of her good looks. She would never know. Was the water a little closer now? Yes, the tide was coming in. How long would it be before the water splashed over her bare feet? An hour? Two hours? When the time comes, as it.