An Untimely Frost by Penny Richards Page B

many times from various hiding places during her life. Sometimes she built her little nest behind her mother’s dressing screen. If the weather permitted and their room was on the first floor, she might play with her dolls outside the window. Often there was nowhere to go but beneath the bed. Above all, she was to be quiet and not peek.
    Of course she’d peeked through the years, but she was always quiet. Her mother’s encounters with her men friends were much the same. Kisses. A drink or two. Laughter. Moans. The creaking of the bed springs.
    When she was younger, she’d thought the men were hurting Kate, but after a while, she realized the act was something her mother liked, something she wanted, or she wouldn’t do it so often or with so many men.
    Tonight promised to be no different. Kate’s yellow dress puddled onto the floor like a pool of melted butter. The man’s shoes, socks, and pants followed. Lilly squeezed her eyes shut, which served only to create a clearer image of what was happening. When the bed stilled at last, there was no sound in the room for long moments but that of ragged breathing.
    â€œThere’s something I need to tell you.”
    The soft sound of her mother’s voice told Lilly that Kate was afraid to say what was on her mind.
    â€œWhat is it?” The man seemed wary, almost as if he knew beforehand the announcement would not be good.
    â€œI haven’t . . .” Kate’s voice trailed away. “My monthlies haven’t come around since we were here the last time.”
    The man was silent for long moments.
    â€œWell, say something,” she prodded.
    The bed rocked roughly. “What would you have me say?” he snapped, all tenderness gone from his voice. “Am I to be happy about your ill-begotten whelp? Surely you didn’t expect me to offer my hand in marriage, since I already have a wife.”
    â€œ My ill-begotten whelp?” Kate cried. “As I recall, you had as much a part in the conception of this baby as I. As for your wife, you told me you were divorcing her.”
    Lilly’s eyes widened at the word baby , but before she could ponder the meaning, she saw the man’s bare feet hit the floor.
    â€œAnd you believed me? From your behavior, I assumed you were a woman of the world.” His voice mocked. “As such, you should know that a man will say anything to get what he wants. Besides, how do I know the brat’s mine?”
    Lilly heard her mother’s sharp gasp. “Of course it’s yours. There’s been no one else since we met. And you did tell me you were divorcing your wife.”
    The man’s laughter was cold, unkind. “A lie to get you into bed.” He laughed, a sound without mirth. “It is beyond belief that you seriously thought I would leave my wife, when it’s her money that helps me live the life I have.”
    Lilly heard her mother curse, something she seldom did. “You rich people are all the same.” Bitterness laced her voice. “You believe having money somehow absolves you of taking responsibility for your actions. Well, not this time. Since you’ve no intention of doing what’s right, and I’ll bear the bulk of responsibility, it’s only fair that you supplement the child’s needs.”
    â€œYou’re daft, woman. I’ll not give you a cent.”
    Lilly heard the finality in his voice.
    â€œNo?” Kate countered. “Then perhaps I’ll pay your wife a little visit.”
    Lilly heard the sound of flesh meeting flesh and her mother’s cry of pain. He had struck her!
    The bed sank and swayed as the man climbed back onto it. “You will do nothing. You will say nothing. To anyone.” The words were as sharp and flinty as stone on stone.
    â€œOh, won’t I?”
    Lilly heard another sound and clamped a hand over her mouth to stifle her own cry. Her eyes filled with tears. The man had hit her