Read The Secret Sister for Free Online Page A

could fall into her mother’s arms and sob out her pain, but she knew Josephine wouldn’t truly welcome her.
    â€œYou’ve arrived.” Although her mother put down the small dog she’d been holding in her lap and got to her feet, her smile was cool. “Come in. You must be hungry and tired. I’ve ordered tea.”
    Maisey was grateful when her brother preceded her. She needed another moment to compose herself, another moment to prepare that aching, empty spot inside her for a fresh jolt of life as a Lazarow.
    Here we go , she thought.
    Focusing on the dog, which looked like a Yorkie, she gathered her courage, marched toward her mother and gave her the requisite air kiss on each cheek. She knew she’d be criticized if she didn’t perform this family ritual, although it meant nothing.
    When she breathed in the scent of her mother’s perfume, the memories of her childhood began to assault her. “You look lovely, as always.”
    â€œIf only I could lose a few pounds,” her mother responded with an air of lamentation.
    Josephine murmured something similar whenever she received a compliment. Not because she truly believed she needed to lose weight; she considered it gauche not to avoid the appearance of conceit.
    Annoyed by the pretense, Maisey nearly grimaced. She felt as if she was playing the magic mirror in Snow White .
    Magic mirror, in my hand, who’s the fairest in the land?
    My queen, you are the fairest in the land.
    â€œWhat a beautiful outfit,” her mother said.
    Maisey was tempted to indulge in the same game her mother did by saying, “What, this old thing?” But knowing Josephine would easily figure out that she was the brunt of that joke, Maisey overrode the impulse. “I’m glad you like it.”
    â€œKeith’s been so excited about your arrival. How was the trip?”
    They hadn’t seen each other for ten years , and yet it was Keith who was excited? Keith had visited her several times in New York. He’d last seen her at Ellie’s funeral. Fortunately, he’d also come earlier, when she was born, or no one in Maisey’s family would ever have met her baby.
    But Josephine could never admit to needing or missing anyone who’d dared to question or criticize her. Or maybe she really hadn’t missed Maisey... “Not too bad. Still, I’m glad it’s over.”
    Josephine scooped up her little dog. “This is Athena.”
    â€œShe’s darling.”
    Cuddling her dog, Josephine stepped to one side and peered into the entry. “Where’s your luggage?”
    Maisey hadn’t wanted to break the news that she’d be staying elsewhere so soon. But now that the question had been posed, she had no choice except to answer it. “I, um, stowed it over at Smuggler’s Cove.”
    Her mother’s eyes flashed with an emotion she quickly suppressed, and she put her dog down again. “Why would you leave it there?”
    â€œI’ve decided to move into one of the bungalows. I like the idea of being so close to the beach.” She mustered a smile as if she couldn’t feel the torrent of her mother’s displeasure. “It reminds me of Dad.”
    The mention of her father didn’t distract Josephine for a second. “But the bungalows aren’t ready for occupancy.”
    â€œUnit 6 isn’t so bad,” Keith said, obviously trying to smooth the way.
    â€œAnd I can manage until your contractor gets around to the rehab,” Maisey added.
    There was a protracted silence. As a child, Maisey would’ve caved in and said something to relieve the tension, something like, “But I’ll stay here, if you’d rather.” She’d always been a pleaser. Even as an adult, it required determination not to succumb to her mother’s powerful will.
    â€œYou’d rather move into a damaged shack than return to Coldiron House?” her mother