9. Climbing

Mary's chin juts defiantly as both of her parents stand in front of her.

"I didn't mean to get caught," she says in explanation.

Robert and Cora exchange glances, the latter putting her arms around Sybil, who is tugging insistently on her skirts. Together, they wait for their eldest daughter to continue.

"It was Edith's fault. She said that I wouldn't be able to climb the tree."

"I didn't!" Edith's voice is shrill.

"We'll talk about it later," Robert decides. "Go and change."

Mary and Edith leave, still bickering.

"And this," Cora sighs, "is the beginning of the slippery slope."


A/N: Again, I found this one quite difficult to write. It didn't turn out quite like I wanted it, but oh well.