After Heather’s outburst, the Sumner family’s gathering soon drew to a close, guests trickling away one by one.

Edithposed herself as she saw off thest of the guests, exchanging a few polite words with the remaining rtives and reassuring them about the day’smotion.

By the time it was all over, fatigue was in on her face.

Outside the bedroom, Aunt Nancy-who had just been tending to Jayne-stood waiting by the door. “Your mom’s awake now, and I should be heading home,” she said.

Edith nodded, her expression gentle and gracious. She sped her aunt’s hand. “Aunt Nancy, I can’t thank you enough for today. You came all this way to celebrate with us, and instead you got caught up in all this mess. You didn’t even get to enjoy yourself. When the weddinges, you have to arrive early-I promise I’ll make sure you’re settled in andfortable.” Nancy looked at Edith, taking in how grown-up she seemed. For a moment, she grew sentimental. “It feels like just yesterday you were that sweet, mischievous little girl, and now look at you-handling all of this so calmly. I can hardly believe how much you’ve changed since joining the Vance family.”

Seeing the sadness flicker across her aunt’s face, Edith smiled, her eyes crinkling. “Aunt Nancy, don’t you dare say I’m getting old! I’m still a young woman, you know.”

Her aunt cupped Edith’s face, her own eyes shining with pride. “Of course, of course. As long as you haven’t had children, you’re still a girl in my eyes. Besides, having kids isn’t everything, is it? Staying young at heart is what really matters.”

Clearly, Nancy had overheard some of Heather’s cruel remarks and was trying tofort Edith in her own way.

12:23

Edith paused, the smile faltering for just a second before she caught herself. “You’re right, Aunt Nancy.”

Not wanting her niece to dwell on the hurt, Nancy went on, “Everyone has their own path in life. These days, it’s the twenty-first century-women aren’t defined by whether they have children or not. Plenty of young couples are choosing not to, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s even bing trendy in some circles.”

Edith nodded. “I know. Thank you, Aunt Nancy.”

Nancy gestured toward the bedroom. “Your mom just woke up, but she’s still not feeling her best. She’s always been wise and clear-headed, but maybe you can cheer her up a bit. There’s no point in making herself sick with worry.”

Once she had seen thest of the Sumner rtives out, Edith quietly opened the bedroom door.

She had never seen her mother, Jayne, look so worn and fragile. Even when Kearney was taken away for questioning, Jayne had managed to stay strong and stoic.

The sight made Edith’s heart ache.

She sat down at the edge of the bed and took her mother’s hand. “Mom, I’m sorry. I’ve let you down. All this trouble I’ve caused has brought shame on the family.”

Jayne’s face filled with tenderness. “Don’t say that. You’ve suffered so much already and now you’re apologizing to me? Silly girl. It’s the Vance family who should be ashamed, not you.”

After a moment to catch her breath, Jayne’s expression grew anxious. “Edith, you know how fast gossip spreads in our circle. By tomorrow, the Hawksley family will hear all about this. When that happens, I’m prepared for them to call off the engagement.”

Edith lowered her gaze, but her eyes shone with determination. “I’ve already thought about that, Mom. We were in the wrong-we should have told the Hawksleys about my situation from the start. It’s only fair.”

12:23

She took a deep breath. “Rather than wait for the news to reach them, I think I should go to the Hawksleys tonight and exin everything myself. If I’m honest with them now, maybe it’ll hurt less in the end.”

After all, word had it the Hawksleys were already nning an extravagant wedding.

Jayne braced herself against the bed, struggling to sit up. “Edith, I’ll go with you.”

Her face was etched with worry. She was afraid to let her daughter face the Hawksleys’ anger alone-afraid that their fury would fall squarely on Edith’s shoulders.

12:23