"She says that she has been alone for some time, and that she does not enjoy the company of most adults. She wished that she had children to play with, or at least someone to spend time with her doing what she enjoys."
"It is not uncommon for children in her position to be limited in their interactions. I can understand that she does not like it, but that does not change the fact that she is vulnerable and in need of protection. I do not see the need for more than she already has."
"I do," she said quietly.
That shifted something, if only slightly. Julian studied her for a moment.
"She is six years of age," Eleanor continued. "She should not speak of loneliness as though it is something familiar."
"She is not neglected," Julian said.
"I did not say that she was."
"Then what are you suggesting?"
Eleanor did not look away.
"That she has been protected to the point of isolation."
Julian’s jaw tightened slightly at the accusation. He wished to remain calm, but with all that he had done for Lily each judgment felt harsh. He had done his best. Why could that not be enough?
"You are drawing conclusions from a single remark."
"I am listening to what she told me," Eleanor replied.
"And interpreting it."
"Yes. That is what one does when a child–"
A brief silence followed. Julian turned slightly, his gaze moving back toward the window before returning to her.
"When a child needs something," she finished.
"She required stability," he said. "After my father’s death, that was not optional."
"I understand that," she said. "Truly, I do, but stability is not the same as solitude."
Julian’s gaze met hers again.
"There were considerations you are not aware of," he said.
"Then make me aware of them."
The request was simple, and it was uncompromising. Julian looked at her, as though weighing the extent of what he would allow her to know. His sister was quick to trust Eleanor, and shehad always been a good judge of character, but that did not mean that Julian could simply follow suit without a care.
"She was young," he said. "The household had already changed so much. There was no margin for further disruption."
"And so you limited her world."
"I ensured it remained consistent."
Eleanor took that in.
"And how long will that continue?"
"As long as it is necessary."
"She is no longer alone," Eleanor said, more quietly now. "Not if you allow it."