Dreaming of Autumn Skies by V.C. Andrews

Author:V.C. Andrews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gallery Books
Published: 2024-10-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Later that afternoon, I went through the dresses I had been given in Hawaii. A few were Dina’s hand-me-downs that her mother, Parker, had insisted she give me. One thing about Dina was that she never shied away from being the center of attention, especially with her clothes. Every dress looked like I was trying to focus a spotlight on myself. I settled on the sunset-blue bungee-strap dress and found the shoes to match. Boston had told me I looked very pretty in it, which was why my stepsister thought it was ugly and said she was glad it was one of her throwaways. Jealousy led to a form of blindness, I thought.

When I heard a knock on my door, I was expecting Aunt Holly and news about Simon, but it was Mrs. Fisher, her arms folded and her face a pool of smugness. She probably thought I believed I was getting her in trouble with Grandfather, which I apparently hadn’t, actually to my disappointment. I almost closed the door on her, but I wanted to avoid anything that would change Grandfather’s mind about my going to the pizza party at Hudson’s house. Maybe she had found out and had advised him against it.

“What?” I asked, my tone on the borderline of nasty.

“Your grandfather told me about your discussion. You should have listened to me when I told you it was unnecessary. You put yourself through pointless tension. And him, too. He was in total agreement with how I was handling it.”

“I felt it was important. Whatever. It’s over with, and talking to him about it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as you told me it would be.”

I almost smiled, not a happy smile but a smile of satisfaction, more like a grin of glee.

“But I think you knew that ahead of time,” I said.

“Knew ahead of time? What does that mean?” she asked, looking as if I had accused her of murder.

“My father told me that people make problems look worse so when they solve them, they get more credit.”

“Did he? That’s a very good insight. Looks like your father did more for you than you claim.”

“I never said he didn’t do important things for me.”

“In any case, that’s ridiculous. I am not looking for any credit to win favor with your grandfather. I’ve already won enough of that. I’m only concerned about your welfare and your grandfather’s peace of mind so he can continue to do his great work and you can continue to develop into a proper young lady.”

“Okay. Thank you. So what do you want now?”

“Oh, my goodness. Feeling uppity? Not becoming for a young lady. The reason I’m here, Lady Caroline, is it was left for me to tell you what’s been decided about Simon. I imagine you’ve been waiting to hear.”

She paused, looking like she would simply turn around and leave me hanging and feeling bad about thinking only of myself.

“What about him?”

She looked to the side as if she was considering not saying another word.

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