Read Online The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Monroe - Free Book Online

head away, not wanting to see the sorrow swimming in her sister’s eyes lest it break her own fragile hold on composure. “Bye, sweetheart,” she called out in a tight voice as she headed out the front door. If she could make it down to the car, she told herself, she could escape into the private darkness and end this charade forever.
    Merry, however, burst into tears and tore after her, clinging to Jilly’s arm at the car and tugging her back toward the house. Their parents rushed forward and wrapped their arms around their youngest daughter.
    â€œJilly has to leave,” they said in singsong tones.
    Jilly stood ramrod straight at the curb, clutching the car door handle and struggling not to cry. She’d vowed she’d play her role in her mother’s plan without fail. She’d failed her family enough already; it was the least she could do.
    â€œNo, she doesn’t!” Merry cried belligerently. “She doesn’t have to go. Make her stay! Ple-e-ase, Mama! Make her stay!”
    Jilly held those cries in her heart like a talisman, loving her poor little shaman sister all the more. She let go of the car and slowly walked to her baby sister, kissing her cheek and hugging her, hard, all the while looking over the small, bony shoulder at her father with a gaze that challenged. You can let me stay if you want to .
    â€œJilly! You’re up!”
    Jilly blinked and turned her head to the voice calling her name, dragging her back to the present.
    â€œRose!” Jilly’s voice squeaked out of her dry throat. She opened her arms to the slender, smaller sister as she hurried upthe stairs to hug her, fiercely, in her surprisingly strong arms. They hugged for a long time, rocking back and forth in tender glee. No more yesterdays. This is now , she told herself, relishing the familiar scent of sweet roses in her sister’s hair.
    â€œYou were daydreaming,” Rose said. “Miles away.”
    â€œMore like years away,” she replied, then cast a sweeping glance at the house. “It’s being back here again.”
    â€œI didn’t want to wake you,” Rose said, pulling back yet keeping their arms linked. “I’ve read all about jet lag and thought you might want to sleep straight up until the funeral. But oh, Jilly, I’m so glad you’re awake. I’ve missed you.”
    â€œI’ve missed you, too.” Jilly’s hungry gaze devoured her sister. Although Rose was only six years younger, Jillian still felt a twinge of envy that Rose looked much the same as she did in high school.
    â€œYou look tired,” Rose said, her eyes searching with concern. “Are you sure you had enough sleep?”
    Tired and old, she thought to herself. “I’m sure I haven’t, but I’ll catch up later. Besides, who could sleep? Such a racket! The birds were relentless and I swear I heard bells all morning.”
    â€œThat must have been the deliveries. We’re having a light luncheon here after the funeral.”
    â€œWhat a charming idea,” Jilly replied, yawning. “I thought we were going to some stuffy old restaurant. Much nicer this way.”
    Rose beamed. “Do you think so, Jilly?” She turned and led the way down the stairs, through the wide foyer to the dining room. She pointed out the stacks of china plates, bowls, cups and platters, tableware and silver bowls desperately blackened and in need of polish.
    â€œMom had all these lovely dishes stashed away. And there’s more in the attic. We have to sort through them, anyway, so we can divide them. Think about the ones you’d like.”
    â€œDoesn’t matter to me in the least.”
    â€œYou’ll have to have some! You’re the eldest. You get first pick.”
    â€œTell you what, chérie . You pick for me, and then you can keep them.”
    Rose was taken aback by her generosity. “I want to use the china for the luncheon, but