"Arianne was very observant even as a child," Aunt Estella continued, her hands resting loosely on her lap. "She learned things by observing those around her. She knew how to count at the age of one. At two, she mastered the alphabet. By three, she could read storybooks with minimal guidance."
She smiled briefly at the memory, but a long sigh replaced it as she looked toward the dark hedge lining the garden.
"But her strongest trait also made her aware of her surroundings. Especially of her parents."
Aunt Estella adjusted the scarf draped over her shoulder, smoothing the fabric absently.
"Did Arianne know about the history of her name?" Franz asked, leaning forward slightly.
Aunt Estella nodded. She looked mortified.
"She was five. Gabriel came home one night drunk and saw her still awake, sitting cross-legged in front of the television. He said inappropriate words to a child like her and revealed he should not have named her after his dearest Arianna."
