"Thank you." She managed to say it without her voice cracking. "And sorry for overreacting, it's just that ... I'm a little sensitive about ... certain comments."
"Absolutely," said Laura quickly. "I realized it as soon as I said it. It was insensitive. My bad. Really."
"Yeah," croaked Miss Lancaster. It was all she could manage.
"I've always thought it a shame that Camille kept you all to herself." Laura stepped closer to Miss Lancaster. She took a tissue from the desk and offered it to her. "She kept all of us to herself."
"Yeah." Miss Lancaster wiped the budding tears from her eyes, saving her makeup. "But it is her house. Her rules, after all."
"Right, and her ..." Laura lowered her voice, "being what she is. Who can refuse her?"
"Best not to talk about those things." Miss Lancaster straightened. "Let's find the electrician's number."
"Right."
