Chapter 5: Supper Is Offered

Elaine asked whether the ghosts were expected to use the good silver.

I looked at the dining table, then at my aunt.

"I haven't decided whether you're using it."

Pippa coughed into her sleeve.

The table had been laid without any living person entering the room.

Covered dishes steamed beneath the hanging lamps.

There were empty places between our five chairs, each with a folded napkin.

I could see faint outlines in several seats if I looked beside them instead of straight at them.

My stomach wanted the food.

The hand on the stairs made me reluctant to let my stomach decide.

Rosamund set her traveling bag beneath a chair and waited.

"Did you make this?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"It comes with the house."

Rupert reached for a bread roll.

I caught his sleeve before his fingers closed.

"Wait."

He looked at the hand I'd stopped and sat down without arguing.

That was progress I could use.

I wanted everyone fed before they became frightened enough to make another poor decision.

I also wanted the dead outlines acknowledged without inviting anything I didn't understand into somebody else's body.

I could offer a meal.

I couldn't offer ownership of its guests.

"You're welcome to eat supper with us," I told the room.

"Use the plates and cutlery while you're here, then leave them on the table."

The chairs moved outward at once.

I handed Pippa her plate and cutlery, then passed them to each person around the table.

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