Harshly, ‘What are you doing?’
Evelyn started and turned. Alicia stood behind her, her face strangely tight. ‘What are you doing?’ she repeated.
Evelyn made a vague gesture towards the window, tried to speak.
‘Well?’
Evelyn made the gesture again. ‘Out there,’ she said. ‘I—I—’ She slipped off the window seat and stood. She stood as tall as she could. Her face was hot.
‘Button up your collar,’ said Alicia. ‘What is it, Evelyn? Tell me!’
‘I’m trying to,’ said Evelyn, soft and urgent. She buttoned her collar and her hands fell to her waist. She pressed herself, hard. Alicia stepped near and pushed the hands away. ‘Don’t do that. What was that… what you were doing? Were you talking?’
‘Talking, yes. Not you, though. Not Father.’
‘There isn’t anyone else.’
‘There is,’ said Evelyn. Suddenly breathless, she said, ‘Touch me, Alicia.’