Chapter 8
I found one more letter from my mother.
Not hidden.
In her old correspondence box.
Addressed to Cora.
Never sent.
Cora,
I keep thinking money is help because it is the only apology Gideon cannot prevent me from giving. I am beginning to understand that money without truth asks you to carry both the injury and my conscience.
I sat with that sentence.
My mother had understood.
Too late.
Perhaps that was why she finally wrote the letter hidden in the vase.
She wanted the truth available after Gideon could no longer suppress it.
Why did she never tell me after his death?
Fear.
Habit.
Shame.
The same forces everybody blamed others for while obeying them themselves.
I had adored Adelaide.
Still did.
But love did not require making her brave where she had been cowardly.
I sent copies of both letters to Evelina.
No note beyond:
These concern your mother. They belong with you if you want them.
She replied two days later.
Thank you.
May you like
Nothing else.
Good.
