Shandi came down for breakfast but she avoided contact with anyone, an action noticed by both Rob and Milo. Instead of seeking out companionship, she wolfed down scrambled eggs and a slice of buttered toast, then grabbed a couple of sausage links, heading for the stables. Hannah welcomed her warmly and she joined the other girls, mucking out stalls and leading horses from pen to pen. Rob wanted to speak to her but Milo cautioned her to give Shandi some room and she complied, although she was brokenhearted.
Lunch came by and Shandi opted to remain in the barn, petting the new kittens and enjoying the serenity of nature and when dinner came, she did whatever she was required to do, ate with the others and departed for her room ... alone every time. As the week passed, Rob watched her with a desperate eye, watching the dark patches reappear and a general malaise set in.
"What's wrong with her, Milo?"
"You haven't guessed?"
Rob turned to her friend, her expression a mixture of astonishment and irritation. "You know?"
"Perhaps you should have a conversation with Mariane."
Rob's lips thinning as anger flared in her chest. Mariane Reems had come to The Manor House months ago, a victim of a domestic violence incident that saw her shot three times. As she recovered, she had reached out to Mariane as she had each and every victim that arrived here and Mariane threw herself at her. But Rob wasn't interested. Not only did she not feel a spark or connection with her, but she knew from Mariane's rap sheet that she was a prostitute and had most probably been shot by her pimp.
Hard feelings had ensued and Rob had actually entertained the idea of sending her away until Milo had convinced her to let the woman stay, that perhaps she might learn something but it was obvious that she hadn't. The cunning bitch had seen how Shandi reacted to Rob and was jealous of that connection. She had said something to Shandi, she was sure and Milo's comment all but confirmed it.
"I think Miss Mariane has worn out her welcome."
* * * * *
