Mai Griffin
7 – Norma
During the drive to Maud’s house, Sarah’s wonderment over her
vision of the little girl and any likely connection with Clarinda’s
icy encounter on the riverbank had completely blotted out Elsie’s
interminable monologue. Thankfully, she mused, whether one
replied or not, Elsie never noticed.
In spite of her dimpled smiles the child’s aura was sad.
There was urgency in her manner; she had wanted to show Sarah
something, or take her somewhere, that much was obvious.
Sarah guessed that she had almost certainly been wrong in
assuming, when Sunday passed without incident, that Clarinda’s
foreboding was without foundation. There was nothing to be
done now though, so she determined to enjoy the morning’s
bridge. She would, if she could avoid being trapped by Norma
again.
Inside the house, Norma fidgeted with frustration. If only
Sarah had come early she might have been able to talk to her
while Maud set up the tables in the other room. Unfortunately
she arrived last, and stayed close to Elsie, which, for some
reason, increased Norma’s intense irritation. Eventually, the
small talk over, they all adjourned to the library to play. The
room had hardly changed since it had been their father’s study.
Two opposite walls were lined from floor to ceiling with books,
and low cabinets at each side of the fireplace held collections of
old ornaments. In the recessed alcoves above them were the only
additi