Despite the gloom William’s death cast over the family, everyone tried to act as it was before the war. The first thing he noticed upon arrival was ...he reduced size of the staff. Buxton, head of the house, greeted him as he walked in the front door. ‘Mister Charles!’ Buxton said in surprise. ‘You should have let us know you were coming.’ ‘No, Buxton. No fuss. I didn’t find out myself until a few days ago. I would have got here before the telegram.’ ‘Charles!’ a female voice called from around. What happened?’ ‘A few weeks later she was on an end of semester tramping trip. The trampers were fooling around and she lost her footing and fell down a small bank but landed over a log, damaging her spine. She recovered from the injury but slipped into deep depression. Eighteen months on she wandered away from the institution and was almost knocked down on the highway. The driver, a graduating medical student…’ ‘My father. They always laugh when they say that met by near-accident.’ ‘Yes, when. I'll get her." Ed heard her lay the receiver down. In the background Penny was calling Cindy. "Cindy, Ed is on the phone and he wants to talk to you. Now don't you dare tell him you cried last night when he wasn't here to read to you? Just tell him you miss him." Hi Ed, I didn't think you would call but I was hoping. Miss Emmy said she thought you might. She took me to the library and I have a new book for you to read to me when you get home next week."I think it will be good. It is about a. “I’m, not sure I understand.” She said through deepening breaths.I leaned close, “I guess I’ll have to show you then,” I whispered in her ear.My hands dropped from their clasp and went to the small of Brianna’s back. A quick tug and the apron knot gave way. I slipped the other end over her head and started to work on the buttons of her shirt.Brianna was still confused about what I wanted but was no less turned on by what I was doing. She let out a soft contented moan and slid her hand back.