“Would you like some tea, darling?” she asked solicitously, alarmed by Amelia’s pallor. The poor dear was prone to migraines, and once she contracted one, she could be ill for days. “No.” Amelia’s head moved resdessly on the pillow. “I would just like to be alone now, if you please.” “Very well, if that is your wish,” Amanda said quietly, rising to her feet and turning toward the door. She and Amelia had always been so close, and she could not help but be hurt by her sister’s withdrawal. “I’ll just—” “No, wait!” Amelia sat up in the bed, tears sparkling in her eyes as she held out a hand to Amanda. “Don’t go!” Amanda glanced over her shoulder at the panic in the other girl’s voice. “Yes, love?” she asked, wondering if she ought to ring for some of Mrs. Hatcher’s laudanum. “Do . . . do you think you might do something for me?” Amelia stammered, nervously pleating the bedsheet with her fingers. “Certainly,” Amanda said, resuming her chair beside Amelia’s bed.
