The woman didn’t even nce at her. Her gaze was fixed intently on Justin.

Yet, somehow, it didn’t feel unsettling.

After a few seconds, she looked away and softly soothed the agitated Pennie. “Pennie, it’s your wedding day. Don’t let someone like that upset you. For all you know, she’s probably just hoping you’ll make a fool of yourself in front of everyone.”

Pennie seemed to take her friend’s advice to heart; just a few gentle words were enough to calm her down. In fact, her confidence only grew. “You’re right, Lucille. That’s probably exactly what that woman wants–to see me embarrassed on my own wedding day. But as if I’d give her that satisfaction! She’s from some nobody family, has nothing going for her except her looks. How could she everpete with me?”

As she finished, Pennie shot a nce in Edith’s direction.

Their eyes met. Edith managed a polite smile, but almost instantly she sensed the hostility in Pennie’s stare.

Pennie then looped her arm through Lucille’s as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Edith wondered if she was imagining things, but it struck her that Pennie’s friend looked oddly familiar–almost like a mirror image. Not just in appearance, but in mannerisms as well.

Car offered Justin a ss of water but passed over Edith, merely extending a perfunctory greeting. “So this is the new Mrs. Hawksley, the one who’s just joined our family? Such a pretty face. What’s your name, dear?”

Edith smiled politely. “Thank you for thepliment, Aunt Car. My name’s Edith. Please, just call me Edith.”

As the older woman poured herself some water, Edith courteously reached for a ss of her own–only for Justin to gently intercept her movement. He handed her his own ss, then helped himself to another from the side table.

His gesture was obvious, and the subtle kindness warmed Edith, easing some of the anxiety she felt facing these unfamiliar rtives.

Car gave a sheepishugh at Justin’s disy. “Look at me, chatting away so much I forgot to offer Edith some water.”

16:42

Edith caught the forced politeness in Car’s smile and felt a prickle of unease. She understood perfectly well that Car wasn’t being genuinely considerate; she was only making an effort because Justin had intervened.

Next came the round of introductions.

Edith greeted each of the elders with quiet grace.

Finally, Car turned with mock severity to the silent Pennie and Lucille. “And what about you two? Why so quiet? Edith is your sister–inw now. You should greet her properly.”

Pennie pouted, clearly reluctant, but managed a sullen, “Hello, Edith. Must’ve been a long trip out to Southborough.”

By rights, Lucille–standing beside Pennie–should have greeted Edith as well. Instead, her face crumpled with hurt, her lips trembling and her eyes welling up with

tears.

Before Edith could even process what was happening, Lucille covered her face and hurried out of the room.

Pennie shot Edith a furious re. “Just arrived and already making things difficult for Lucille? Great–now everyone’s seen how bossy you can be!”

Edith stood frozen, entirely at a loss. She hadn’t even spoken a word to Lucille. How could she possibly have intimidated her?

Justin’s brow furrowed sharply as he snapped, “Pennie, is that any way to speak to your sister–inw? Even if she is a little intimidating, shouldn’t she be, considering she’s your elder now?”

Pennie whined in protest, stamping her foot. “Some brother you are! Lucille’s in tears, and instead of going after her, you’re still siding with her!”