The air at the dinner table was… tense.

Mr. Thorne and Mr. Thompson tried to steer the conversation toward the stock market, but William wasn’t biting. His replies were few and far between.

“Acting’s not so bad,” Iris piped up, glancing sideways. “I used to watch Mrs. Brown’s work.”

Mrs. Thorne shot her a warning glare and forced a laugh. “Well, she was a film queen. Not exactly someone ordinary folks can compare ...