Red Room Where the Writers Are

Respect and Responsibiity:

Temmin sat up, propping his arms on the back of the couch. “You were at Whithorse when Mama got married. Just how unhappy was Mama when she had to marry Papa?”

Jenks turned from the little luncheon table and frowned. “Why would you ask me that, sir? Now of all times?”

“I can’t help thinking about Mama, I suppose, and we’ve been--studying this sort of thing. Teacher said Grandfather gave her to Papa like a possession to be traded.”

“Did he,” snapped Jenks. “I’d suppose that crow would know.” He rattled the dishes a little harder than he had to as he stacked them on the cart. Jenks turned abruptly, arms folded. “Did he tell you whose idea it was for your parents to marry?”