"What did you think of them?" Matthew asked, handing Alice a plate to dry.
She efficiently wiped it, and bought time by saying, "Your daughters?"
He frowned. "Who else?"
Mary and Joan had come to dinner. They had not brought their husbands or children. It was obvious to Alice that this had been a reconnaissance mission. A threat was to be assessed and dealt with, and that's exactly what they'd done.
Never married, Miss Harvey? Oh, it's doctor, really? You.. cut up bodies? I suppose you'd need to be a very cold person to do that-
Matthew's protests had been brushed aside.
You worked full time? How will you take care of Dad?
"I'm not some invalid," Matthew had sputtered.
Joan had patted his hand. "Dad, you're so much older than Miss Harvey. I don't think that either of you realize that you'll need more care soon."
Mary had smirked at Alice. "You're so busy, with work." She said it like a dirty word.
Putting away the plate, Alice said carefully, "They want what they believe is best for their father."
"You think they don't like you?"
"It doesn't matter-" Alice wiped down the workbench, avoiding his indignant gaze.
"I wanted you to all get along," he said, sulking.
Folding her arms, she glared down her nose at him. "And why was that important? Somehow, these young ladies have the impression that they have to protect their father from a manhunter."
His eyes shifted.
She smoothed her hands down her skirt. "It was an... Interesting evening." She really did need to stop attending family meals. "But I should go."
"Alice-"
"I should go," she repeated.
Hobbling as fast as he could, he caught her by the door. "A kiss goodnight?"
"Best not," she whispered, and kissed him goodbye, not goodnight.