Together, they walked down the hallway and into her small room. It was simply furnished with a bed, a chest of drawers, a small desk, and a chair. She had a bookcase, but it was mostly filled with toys and only a few books.
“Get dressed for bed,” Audrey directed.
The young girl compiled, pulling on a linen nightgown before climbing into bed. “Audrey.”
“Yes, dearest?”
“I miss Father,” she said quietly.
Audrey sighed. “I miss him, too, Francie.”
“Does Mother miss him?” She peered up at Audrey, earnest in her question.
Audrey tried to smile, but she couldn’t. “Of course. She was with him longer than you and I.”
“He’s not coming back,” she asked quietly.
“No, Lambkin. He’s not coming back,” Audrey said, fighting the tears that suddenly sprang to her eyes.
Frances didn’t speak immediately. After several long moments, she asked, “Will we be all right?”
“What do you mean?” Audrey frowned.
“At night, sometimes I hear Mother crying. And I know you’re unhappy, too. I worry for you.” Her little face was full of concern.
Audrey leaned down and hugged her sister tightly. “Francie, you’re a young girl. You shouldn’t burden yourself with these troubles. I forbid it. I’ll take care of us. I’ll find a way. I’ve already made inquiries.”
Her little face scrunched up. “How will you take care of us?”
“I went to college, didn’t I?” Audrey said. “I have skills. Remember when you were much smaller and I was gone? I was at school.”
Frances nodded. “I remember. You were gone ages.”
“Well, I came back, silly. Do you know where I went?” Audrey asked.
“To town.”
“To the biggest town ever! I went to London. And I studied,” Audrey explained.
“London,” Francie said in wonder.
“Yes. London. Because Father wanted me to go to school,” she said, the words catching in her throat. Audrey touched her sister’s hair lovingly. “So, I can be of use to us. So, you must not concern yourself. You mustn’t worry. I’ll take care of us. I promise you. Do you believe I will take care of us?”
Frances didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Audrey put on a smile. “Well, then if you promise not to worry and you promise to trust me, I’ll give you a present.”
“A present?” Frances’ eyes lit up. “I do promise.”
Audrey gave her a look of mock sternness. “Do you?”
“Yes!”
“I don’t believe you,” Audrey teased her.
“I swear, Audrey. I do so promise.”
“Hmmm. Well, maybe—”