Page 90 (1/2)

A Turn

for the Worse

Daddy put on an Academy Award performance

when he returned and I showed hi Of course, I was teement and tell him I knew that he had already known Sa, but with Mother dying in the rooood news I decided I would join hirasping desperately for a life raft of hope As for the revelations Mother had told me, I was determined that for now and perhaps forever, I would keep them well hidden inside me Daddy would never look at my face and see what I knew

"I'm very happy for you, dear," he said "I'm happy for all of us It's a perfect union You'll be happy together and we'll build soe can be a sensible partnership, too"

"I know, Daddy I've already told Mother and she is very excited She looks so tired and soher now" "Yes," he said sadly, despair returning to wash the happiness out of his eyes He shook his head "I don't know if I should go to this party I'hter"

"Go for a little while," I told him "Show your face and then leave," I said He nodded

"You're righ

t You always have the sensible suggestion, Olivia"

He kissed me on the forehead quickly and I couldn't help but think that the way he kissedinside him, despite his promises to Mother and despite his own desire, kept hi fully my father

He congratulatedin on Mother

I had, on ht ement party It was a two-piece navy blue wool knit suit with a silk blouse I put on a thin pearl rope necklace and edone of Belinda's brighter reds for th of my jacket sleeve as I hted Satisfied, I went to show Mother how I looked, but she was still asleep Her nurse looked up fro, looked at Mother and then turned back to me to shake her head softly, her eyes dark with concern I nodded and backed out of the roo the door I'll stop in when I return, I thought and went downstairs to wait for Samuel

Samuel was so excited and happy he nearly bounced in his seat as he talked, filling me in on his father's happy reaction to the announceement

"Did it make your mother happy?" he asked as we drove to the Childs' house

"Yes, but she's not doing well, Samuel I'roeaker and s away in that bed"