Birdlane Island by V.C. Andrews

Author:V.C. Andrews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gallery Books
Published: 2025-10-28T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

On the way to the dock, Kyle told me he was coming tomorrow to start the painting.

“All my equipment was delivered to the Crest today. I even know where I’m going to sleep. Your grandfather’s housekeeper has everything arranged. I think your grandfather has chosen a place to hang it, above the fireplace where you currently have a portrait of two ancestors.”

“Yes, perfect. I never liked the expressions on their faces. They both look constipated.”

He laughed. “In the early days, people didn’t smile for portraits or photographs. It wasn’t considered proper. Maybe they were afraid to show their teeth. What does your father think of my painting the Crest portrait?”

“He’ll want to know how much it will add to the value of the Crest. He measures everything in life by P and L statements,” I said, and Kyle laughed again.

“He has that look. I’d better stay clear of him. I’m not good at keeping within a budget.”

We pulled up to the dock.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said when he opened my door to help me out. He paused. “Hey, don’t look so serious. I won’t break up your family just because mine’s a mess.”

Of course, I wasn’t thinking of that. I was thinking of Jamie when he actually saw Kyle at the Crest and might even see how Kyle looked at me. Or maybe I’d betray a feeling. He’s been hurt enough, I thought.

“No, not worried,” I said. “A bit frightened. New life and all that.”

“Understood. When we see each other again, remind me to tell you how I started a new life.”

“Only once?” I asked as we walked to Grandfather’s boat.

He laughed and said, “I never met a man or woman as young as you who cuts right to the chase.”

“I never thought I had the time to waste on beating around the bush. Inherited that from my father, I suppose.”

He and Grandfather’s driver, Arthur, helped me into the boat.

“You don’t realize what a discovery you are for me,” Kyle said, before letting go of my hand. “Natural, honest, and beautiful.”

I just looked at him. I had no idea what to say. “Thank you” seemed so juvenile. And I wasn’t going to say the same thing to him even though I felt that way. Sometimes silence was the best reply.

I sat back. He stood on the dock, looking at Arthur and me as we pulled away. I felt as if he was still holding my hand. A “So long” or “Goodbye” could last a second or linger in your mind for minutes.

What a day, I thought. What a wonderful day. Then I turned to look toward Birdlane. It looked so small, so contained. It was, after all, where I had spent my restricted life. But it was my home. For a moment it felt like I was belittling a lifelong friend. “You’re not a mainland girl,” Jamie had once said, but what if I was? What if Birdlane was too small? What if it stifled me? Was it enough to be able to take trips once in a while? I looked back at Bar Harbor.

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