A Turn of Light by Czerneda Julie E

A Turn of Light by Czerneda Julie E

Author:Czerneda, Julie E. [Czerneda, Julie E.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2013-03-04T22:00:00+00:00


The two hurried downstairs, trying to stop giggling.

“Who won?” inquired their father, with a grin.

“I did—”

“Did not!”

Radd Nalynn chuckled. “I declare a draw, for breakfast’s sake. Go sit with your aunt. She’s—” His lower lip developed a suspicious tremor and he coughed to cover it. “Go on with you,” he ordered. “Wait. Take your porridge. I’m serving today.”

Jenn and Peggs kissed him on his fresh-scrubbed cheeks, then hurried into the parlor.

“Fair morning,” their aunt said in greeting.

Aunt Sybb looked more than rested. She looked radiant, with a rare color to her cheeks and lips. The sisters impulsively put down their bowls and hugged her, Jenn for her part trying not to sniffle. “What’s all this?” their aunt chided, but fondly. “Sit now, and let me have my tea.”

They sat, smiling at one another and their aunt. Aunt Sybb didn’t quite smile, but gave them a benevolent look over her cup. She’d chosen the cream shirtwaist today, with its minimal lace, and wore her no-nonsense dark blue skirt. “I trust you’re both ready for a busy day.”

The spoon Peggs was using to dollop honey into her porridge paused midair. “Kydd and I’d planned a picnic—” She closed her lips over what was, for her, tantamount to an outburst, and gave a dutiful nod.

“A good start makes the best finish,” Aunt Sybb announced primly, though her eyes twinkled. “You and your young men will have your whole lives together. Ancestors Blessed and Bountiful, we’ve much to prepare before that begins.”

“Yes, Aunt,” Jenn murmured with Peggs.

Their father arrived, his bowl of steaming porridge in one hand, a plate of slippery poached eggs in the other. He’d tucked a loaf under one arm and gripped a biscuit between his teeth. Jenn deftly rescued the eggs and Peggs the loaf as he sat, preventing catastrophe.

“Peckish, Brother?” Aunt Sybb inquired, her brow as high as Jenn had ever seen.

“Stocking up.” Radd chuckled and waved the biscuit. “Today’s the day, Sybbie.”

“We’re setting the stones?” Jenn sat up eagerly, then glanced at their aunt and sank back.

Peggs toyed with her spoon, head down.

“What’s the matter, Dear Hearts?” Their father looked to their aunt. “Sybbie?”

“Ancestors Patient and Put Upon.” Aunt Sybb waved her napkin at them, pretending to be exasperated. “Go. But you’ll be working late and by lamplight.”

This time, there was considerably more enthusiasm in the sisters’ “Yes, Aunt!”



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