House of Salt and Sorrows(9)

We didn’t bother making up plates of our own. Papa sat at the head of the table, obviously wanting to announce his news.

He started without preamble. “After breakfast, there is a marvelous surprise for all of you in the Gold Parlor.”

The Gold Parlor was small and formal, used only for important guests—visitors from court or the High Mariner. Many years ago, the King and his family came to stay with us during their summer progress, and Queen Adelaide used it as her sitting room. She’d complimented the shimmering damask drapes, and Mama vowed to never update them.

“What is it, Papa?” Camille asked.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided the time for our family’s sadness is over. Highmoor has spent too many years in darkness. I’m ending the mourning.”

“We buried Eulalie yesterday,” I reminded the table, crossing my arms. “Yesterday.”

My leg slammed back as someone kicked me under the table. I couldn’t prove it, but I would have placed bets on Rosalie.

Papa raised an eyebrow at me. “I know this may seem premature, but—”

“Very premature,” I interrupted, and was kicked again. This time I was certain it was Ligeia.

Papa squeezed the bridge of his nose, warding off a migraine. “You seem to have something you’d like to say, Annaleigh?”

“How can you possibly think of doing this? It’s not right.”

“We’ve mourned too much of our lives away already. Now is the time for new beginnings, and I can’t bear to have our fresh start cloaked in sorrow.”

“Your fresh start. Yours and Morella’s. None of this would be happening if she wasn’t pregnant.”

The triplets let out a stricken gasp. I saw hurt flash in Morella’s eyes but pressed on. Feelings be damned: this was too important.

“She said it’s a boy, and you’re ready to move earth and moon to please her. You’re willing to forget all about your first family. Your cursed family.” The word fell out, black and ugly.

Verity let out a noise halfway between a shriek and a sob.

“There’s no curse.” Lenore rushed to her side, snapping at me. “Tell her there’s no curse.”

“I don’t want to die,” Verity wailed, knocking over the bowl of cream.

“You’re not going to die,” Papa said, gripping the arms of his chair so tightly that it was a wonder the wood didn’t splinter. “Annaleigh, you’re out of line. Apologize immediately.”

I rose and knelt beside Verity, hugging her and stroking her soft hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. There’s not really a curse.”

Papa’s voice was cold and flat. “I didn’t mean Verity.”

I pressed my lips together in silent defiance. Though my knees felt weak, I willed myself not to look away from him.

“Annaleigh,” he warned.

I counted the seconds ticking by on the little silver clock on the mantel. After two dozen passed, Camille cleared her throat, drawing Papa’s attention.

“You said there was something in the parlor?”

He rubbed his beard, suddenly looking far older. “Yes. It was Morella’s idea, actually. A treat for you all.” He sighed. “To celebrate the end of our mourning, we’ve brought in dressmakers to design new clothes. Milliners and cobblers too.”

My sisters all squealed, and Rosalie rushed to Papa, then Morella, throwing her arms around their necks. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

I kissed Verity on the top of her head and stood up, intent on returning to my room. I didn’t want new clothes. I was not going to forget the old customs, bribed by shiny baubles and silks.

“Annaleigh,” Papa called out, stopping me. “Where are you off to?”

“As I have no need of new clothes, I’ll leave you to them.”

He shook his head. “We are all coming out of mourning, you included. I’ll not have you in drab weeds while the rest of us get on with our lives.”

I sucked in my breath, but the fiery barb could not be contained. “I’m sure Eulalie wishes she could get on with her life as well.”

He was across the room in three quick strides. My father wasn’t a violent man, but in that moment, I truly worried he might strike me. Grabbing my elbow, he pulled me into the hallway. “This obstinacy will end. Now.”

Drawing on mettle I didn’t know I possessed, I shook my head, openly defying him. “Go, move on, since you’re so set on this new life. Leave me alone to mourn my sisters as I see fit.”

“No one can move on if you’re wandering about the house draped in black, never letting them forget!” He turned toward the window with a curse of frustration. When he looked back, deep creases wrinkled his forehead. “I don’t want to fight, Annaleigh. I miss Eulalie as much as you do. Elizabeth and Octavia and Ava too. Your mother most of all. Do you think it brings me joy to have returned half my family to the Salt?”

Papa dropped onto a small conversation bench. It was too low for him, and his knees buckled to his chest. After a moment, he gestured for me to join him.

“I know most men want strapping young sons to follow after them, to take over the estates, to carry on their names, but I was always proud to have so many girls. Some of my best memories were with the eleven of you and your mother, playing dress-up, picking out dolls. I loved those times. And when Cecilia was pregnant with Verity…it was such a wonderful surprise. When she passed away, I thought I’d never have happiness like that again.”