“I haven’t uttered a word.” Jack was about to speak when Belle put in, “She hasn’t.” Jack looked down at Belle to assess if she was lying in a misguided attempt to assist his mother or if she was serious. With one look, he knew she was serious. He found this mildly surprising. However, considering the sum total of melodramatic femininity which was currently housed under his roof, he didn’t find it troubling. “I didn’t say anything to Rachel or Lila either,” Joy added. “You, and your father before you I might add, always get so foul tempered when I even mention it. So I usually don’t bother.” She turned to Belle and added conversationally, “Though, it’s a fascinating story.” “Mum,” Jack warned when he felt Belle’s body tense at his side. “Well, it is,” Joy defended. “It doesn’t matter. They scare Belle and I don’t want you saying another word,” Jack asserted. Joy turned to Belle. “Oh darling, there’s nothing to be scared of. I promise, they’re actually quite –”
