What use was a sanctuary if she was always to be disturbed? She waited, instead, to see who opened it. She expected Sarah. Or perhaps Ruskin. She was not sure she wished to see him now. His attentiveness had grown rather oppressive of late, and she wished for a reprieve. “May I come in?” Abbie released a sigh and smiled. “Yes, of course, Katherine. Please do.” “You missed dinner. Aren’t you hungry?” “I’m very tired, is all. I needed a little time to myself. No, don’t go. I want your company.” “I’m glad of that.” Katherine crossed the room to sit down beside her. “Because I want to talk to you very seriously.” Abbie wondered if perhaps she did not want her company after all. “You’ve been rather aloof today. Have I done something to offend you?” “Of course not,” Abbie answered. “Has Ruskin, then, done something to offend you?” “Not at all. It’s just…” “Yes?” “Well, it’s just that sometimes, his attentiveness is a little too much to bear.”
