Ria was a little feverish that evening. The time she had spent in the outdoor pool despite being asked to come in, had made her catch a chill and she had been sneezing at dinnertime as well. She had a small slice of pie which was unusual enough for her. Having forced her to have some broth that I had fixed for her, I stood, worriedly, fussing over her when Gaston entered for dinner.

Scrambling down from her seat, she trundled over to him and clasped his knees.

I felt a pang of ...