Bessie Leclair couldn't dare show her usual young-lady temper in front of Ignatius Leclair. She timidly called out, "Big Brother," and then prepared to slip away.
She wanted no part of this house and would much rather be in Switzerland.
"Hm." Ignatius responded indifferently and then raised his eyes to look at her. His long and narrow, deeply-set phoenix eyes carried an overwhelming aura of intimidation. That glance froze Bessie in her tracks; she awkwardly stood in place, not daring to run.
Ignatius's temperament was ever unpredictable, as were his inclinations. He prepared coffee, poured a cup, and sat before the fireplace. His voice remained cold as he asked, "Why did you come back?"
Bessie thought of how she'd sneaked her way back this time and inwardly panicked. She replied, "Father said I'm no longer young. I can't keep playing around outside. Sooner or later, I need to come back to take on some proper responsibilities and marry early."
