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"He started the day after your wedding Miss Belinda had left and he was alone In the ht, I heard him out back and sent Jerome to look after hiht hi awful, but the third tiave him notice"

"And you're leaving too, I understand?"

"Yes," she said "I can collect e My sister, who lost her husband last year, wants me to come live with her"

I stared at her and she shook her head

"I'onewell, this just isn't a happy, bright place anymore I' as I can," she added

"Thank you Where's Jerome?"

"Oh, he goes to tohen he's finished working his hours now, Miss Olivia That's where he is Your father won't let hirounds anyway He doesn't want higing As you can see," she said nodding at Daddy, "your father's been in a bad way, drinking too lad you're home," she said

"I'll look after him," I told her She nodded

"If you need me, I'll be downstairs"

"Thank you, Carmelita"

"I'm sorry, Miss Olivia Your one"

"Thank you, Carmelita," I said sternly She had made her point I didn't have to hear it continually She pressed her lips shut and left the room

I knocked on the bathroom door

"Are you all right, Daddy?"

"Yes," he said "I'm fine I'll just shower and take a rest and then you and Samuel can tell me all about your honeymoon"