Forbidden Secrets by R.L. Stine Read Free Book Online Page B

my mother died, he said the house went into mourning. He ordered the whole house decorated in black. We can change it now that you’re here.”
    Savannah decided not to tell Tyler about Mrs. Mooreland’s rude behavior. There had been enough upheaval for one day.
    â€œI guess I should go up and get ready for supper too,” Savannah said. Tyler nodded. She could feel him watching her as she climbed back up the stairs.
    â™¦Â â™¦Â â™¦
    Savannah stood in front of the mirror, admiring her blue satin gown. A gift from Tyler.
    She turned slightly and looked over her shoulder at her reflection. She had brushed her blond hair until it was as shiny as silk.
    This is the way life was before the war, Savannah thought. Wearing beautiful clothes. Getting ready for a special dinner. Feeling pretty.
    She strolled out of her room and down the hall to Victoria’s door. She knocked, and Victoria answered, wearing a deep purple dress.
    I’m glad Tyler thought to give Victoria a dress too. How could I go down to dinner dressed this way if Victoria was still in one our shabby old dresses.
    â€œYou look beautiful,” Savannah exclaimed. “Are you ready to go downstairs?”
    Victoria nodded. She ran her fingers over her flannel pouch.
    Savannah led the way downstairs. She wrapped her arms around herself as she tried to decide where the dining room would be.
    â€œYou feel it too, don’t you?” Victoria asked in a low voice. “There’s something strange about this place. It’s so cold and dark. All these fires and there is no warmth. All the candles in this room and there is so little light.”
    Savannah rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “It’s an old house. It’s drafty, that’s all.”
    â€œThis way, Savannah,” she heard Tyler call. She followed his voice down the hall and into a formal dining room
    Savannah felt like groaning when she saw the black cloth covering the long table. I must do something about all this black, she thought.
    Tyler stepped toward her, an appreciative smile on his face. “You look beautiful tonight, Savannah.”
    Savannah felt herself blush as Tyler took her hand and brought it to his lips. “So beautiful,” he whispered. He led her to a place near the head of the table. “I want you to sit next to me. And, Victoria, you sit on my other side,” he added quickly.
    Lucy ran in and gave a little squeak as Victoria sat down. “That’s my place!” she exclaimed.
    â€œTonight it is Victoria’s,” Tyler said. “You may sit there tomorrow night.”
    Lucy pouted. “May I at least light the candles, then?” she asked.
    â€œNo, I will light them,” Mrs. Mooreland said as she entered the room. With an enormous sigh Lucy plopped down in the chair next to Victoria.
    Mrs. Mooreland lit the candelabrum. A maid appeared with a tureen of soup and served them each a portion.
    Savannah’s mouth watered. Her stomach tightened. It has been so long since I have had a real dinner, she thought.
    â€œEverything smells delicious, Mrs. Mooreland,” Tyler said.
    â€œThank you, sir,” Mrs. Mooreland said before she hurried from the room.
    Savannah glanced at Victoria. Her pouch rested beside her plate. She turned it over and over, constantly touching it.
    â€œTyler is going to teach me how to ride,” Lucy announced excitedly.
    Savannah turned her attention to Lucy. “That’s wonderful. Victoria and I have been riding since we were young. Haven’t we, Victoria?” she asked, trying to draw Victoria’s attention away from her pouch.
    â€œYes,” Victoria said without glancing up.
    â€œTyler is going to teach me to play the piano too,” Lucy said.
    Lucy has a crush on Tyler, Savannah realized. How adorable she is. Every sentence she utters has Tyler’s name in it.
    Savannah took a few sips of her soup. Savoring every vegetable, every