independence from Richmond, Clarice sat down at the piano in Barbara Jean’s sitting room after breakfast. The piano was a Victorian beauty, a Steinway square grand with a rosewood cabinet. Clarice had ordered it herself during the initial renovation of Barbara Jean’s mansion. It was a fine instrument and Clarice thought it was a shame that its role of late was merely decorative. She ran a finger over the white keys and then the black and was pleased to discover that it was in tune. She began to play. The music drew Barbara Jean to the room, closely followed by Odette. They listened and then
...more
