5/20/2023 0 Comments The beloved by alison rattle![]() ![]() âIt will not be for much longer.' He leans in to kiss my forehead and his bristles catch at my skin and set off an itch that I know I shan't be able to scratch. I relax my arms and I wince as the leather straps bite into my wrists. âBut it hurts so much! Does she mean me to be in such pain?' ![]() I try to roll and stretch my arms to relieve the ache. She loves you and Eli more than anything. I am glad you have your own mind, but you must never question your mother's motives. I think of how Mama looks at Eli, how her eyes shine and how her voice grows soft. Your mother may have her strange ways, but she loves you very much.' âBesides,' he says, âI am certain it is all for the greater good. Papa strokes my wrist where the leather strap chafes at my skin. When her mind is set, there is no one in this world who can persuade her to change it.' âIf I thought it would do any good I would go down to the drawing room this instant.' He sighs. ![]() I can see the stiff white hairs protruding from his nostrils and the yellowed edges of his moustache. ![]() I open my eyes and the closeness of his face startles me a little. I smell the familiar weight of brandy and tobacco on his breath â rich and hot â and I am reminded as always of steamed fruit puddings and the scent of polished wood. ÂAlice? Are you asleep?' Papa's voice is like soft, warm feathers tickling my ear. ![]()
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