Violen

The season's turned, so I climb the hill. I can tell from the doorstep alone what a house smells like when it keeps a human close.

• OsmonMy lady, the room has been kept exactly as it was.
  Violen'As it was,' he says. The only thing unchanged in this house is you.
• AlbernGreat-aunt, I'd appreciate some word ahead of your visits.
  ViolenSend word, and you'll only tidy up for me. I don't come to see a tidied house.

The last spot on the wall has held nothing but an empty frame for a hundred years. My nephew has been slowing his steps in front of it for just as long.

• GrahamEvery time I make a house call, that hallway feels the longest stretch of the house.
  ViolenLong, to a human. To us, the trouble is that it's short.
• AlbernGreat-aunt, photographs of the gallery are a bit of a problem.
  AlbernWhen I say it's a problem and there's no answer, that probably means you've already scheduled next season's visit.