page17 (1/2)

The others—Genny’s mother and father and Rory, too—appeared from the hallway then They all three looked a little bewildered No doubt they’d heard the shouting

Eloise said “Frances, do make sure that everyone has eaten” She turned for the stairs “I’ll just go and assure s have settled down”

They all went to the Morning Room Genny and Rafe had breakfast The others poured fresh cups of coffee They visited, chatting about everyday things, everyone determined to put a better face on the day

Eloise joined the with Geoffrey back to London “And how about we all go out to the lake later?” Everyone agreed that the weather was beautiful and a day at the lake would be lovely “We’ll have a picnic”

“I’ll get a few more candid shots,” said Rory

Adrienne nodded “It’s an excellent idea”

Brooke and Geoffrey appeared a few minutes later Brooke was fully dressed, her makeup perfect, her manner subdued Geoffrey’s hair et and slicked down He wore his school uniform

Eloise said, “Coo”

So they filled plates froroup It wasn’t too bad They all did their best to pretend that nothing out of the ordinary had happened It worked, more or less

Brooke ate hardly anything When she slipped her napkin in beside her plate, she turned a soht have a ith you”

Rafe started to say so, but Genny beat him to it “Of course” She pushed her chair back and followed Rafe’s sister out to the terrace garden

They found a bench by one of the fountains Brooke sat on one end, Genny on the other, with plenty of space between them

There was a long, bleak silence

Finally, Brooke said, “I’ht? I’m a hopeless bitch Everyone knows it I’ve embarrassed myself and my family in front of Princess Adrienne and your father I don’t knohat gets into me”