Chapter 631

• ****
• Later, as Lucien had an after-dinner whiskey, with Bree sprawled over him, Carol on the floor at his feet, while Proserpina sat curled quietly in a corner, her face white and dull, Ria dropped her bombshell. “Pappa, I want to come and spend a few days here, with you and Mumma. And of course, Aunt Bree,” she said slyly. She saw a flash of pure alarm and rage on the woman’s face, which was gone so quickly, she later wondered if she had imagined it. Carol, who was half drunk, giggled as she lay on the carpet and sozzled. The woman was sick, thought Ria in disgust. She was half naked and looking at Pappa like a cat eyeing her cream bowl.
• There was a silence the Don turned his narrow grey gaze to her thoughtfully.