"Oh Matthew! You're so witty!" Peels of laughter from the Blake house lounge.

He was not witty, and that was the point to Alice. Plenty of men thought they were clever. Matthew was refreshingly honest. But he was still a man after all, and surely prone to flattery from a lady such as Sharon Gleason, nee Harvey, Alice's sister who'd blown into town after decades away.

Careful what you wish for, Alice thought sourly, slamming teacups down on saucers. Jean's gave her a worried glance as she filled the teapot. Alice had wanted to see her sister again, reconnect after so many years apart. Perhaps find some order to their chaotic childhood.

But Sharon's return had only brought disorder to Alice's life- a life she'd carefully built and cultivated over years. First Sharon has flirted with Lucien, much to his discomfort and Jean's barely contained fury. Getting no purchase there, now she was onto Matthew.

Alice peered into the lounge to see Sharon touching Matthew's arm. "I feel so safe in your presence."

"I need a cigarette," Alice said sharply, heading to the sunroom.

"You smoke?" Jean called after her, but she didn't answer.

The cigarette tasted so good. Then she remembered Sharon was the one who'd taught her how to smoke, and it turned bitter.

"Got another one?"

She hadn't heard Matthew's thumping approach.

"Shouldn't you be with our guest?" she muttered.

"I want to be with you."

She turned and searched his face for any pity. Sharon had always been prettier, brighter, more fun- She only saw that honesty that she prized.

"Yes. Well..." Nor was she a brilliant conversationalist.

"Cigarette?"

They exhaled smoke, enjoying the peace and lovely scent in the room. Then Matthew surprised her for the first time, when he leaned in for a kiss.