Chapter Twelve
London
Witherspoon Town House
Brighton
"Aretha! You are back! Thank Heavens!"
The old woman staggered as Annalise jumped from the stairs, flinging herself into the woman's arms. Her hands instinctively went around the young girl.
"Oh oh. Easy now young lady. This old woman isn't as strong as she used to be, and you aren't as little as you used to be either." She chided but the love and happiness in her voice could not be hidden. Instead of releasing her grip, Annalise tightened it.
"Oh Aretha! I missed you! You have no idea how lonely it has been without you. I have been counting the days, I tell you! Counting the days!"
"As I have, dear child." Annalise released her maid then and stepped back.
"You look good Aretha. Looks like you did just fine without me." She gru
