“She finally speaks.” Nora collapsed dramatically back against the chaise lounge and draped her arm over her forehead. The cat resting above her peeked one eye open, probably trying to determine if my aunt was actually settling down or just resting momentarily before she worked herself up again. “And yes, you might not have said the words, but I could tell you were thinking them.”

“I didn’t realize mind reading was one of your many talents.” I took another sip of my tea.

“What else can I do? You’ve become so quiet. You’re practically a—”

Nora caught herself before she said the word out loud, but it was too late.

Ghost.

A softness came to her face as she met my eye. “Brynn, I’m sorry. That was insensitive.”

“It’s okay. I know.” I gave her a weak smile. How could I be upset? Maybe she shouldn’t have said it, but she wasn’t exactly wrong. I had changed a lot. My life had fallen apart over a year ago now, and I wasn’t the person I used to be.

“Let’s just enjoy what’s left of the evening, shall we?” Izzy said, giving my knee a squeeze. “It’s the perfect fall night to be snug inside by the fire.”

I smiled, grateful to let the subject drop. My aunts had been expressing more and more concern about my well-being lately, and I didn’t feel up to yet another discussion about how I was doing. Besides, this was very cozy, the three of us listening to the wind whistle outside while the firelight danced over the dark honeyed walls of the parlor. It was a nice moment.

“When was the last time you tried a little mascara?”

And the moment was over.

I slid my gaze over to Nora.

“What? You have such beautiful eyes. Do you think everybody has that shade of green? And what about your hair?” She swirled a finger in the direction of the black braid that hung over my shoulder. “Is this style permanent now?”

“Evanora, leave the girl alone,” Izzy said. “Now’s not the time. We’ve all had a long day.”

I shot her a thankful smile.

“Nonsense!”

My smile dropped.

“Since the subject has been raised, we should discuss it. You know as well as I do, Sister, that this situation isn’t healthy. And we’re all pretending it isn’t happening. She doesn’t want to help. She doesn’t want to do that other job she used to go on about. All she wants to do is hide herself away here in the house doing chores. And, again, just look at her.”

I frowned.

“What? You look terrible.”

I didn’t look that terrible. Nora’s expectations for everyday fashion were child-beauty-pageant high.

“Soon enough she’ll be up in the attic with Gideon. Is that what you want?”

The cat behind Nora finally gave up on getting rest anywhere near my aunt. He dropped to the floor with a thud and padded over to the foot of the stairs.

“Oh, see now,” Izzy scolded. “You’ve upset Faustus.”