At Godfrey’s crowded engagement reception, Serilda forced dark lipstick across housemaid Avelise’s mouth and mocked that Godfrey still preferred his dead wife.
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Chapter 14 / 17
Chapter 14
Avelise became senior housekeeper two years later.
Not because of the reception.
Because she was competent.
She reorganized guest service better than people twice her age.
When I offered the position, she asked:
“Does this involve portraits?”
I laughed.
“No.”
“Then maybe.”
She negotiated salary.
Hard.
Maribel looked proud.
One afternoon Avelise brought a new employee through the family library.
The girl stopped at Lenora’s portrait.
“Who’s she?”
Avelise answered:
“Mr. Wrenmoor’s late wife.”
That was all.
No legend.
No warning.
No whisper.
The girl nodded and kept walking.
I stood unseen in the doorway.
For the first time in years, someone passed Lenora without becoming emotionally responsible for her.
It felt healthy.
May you like
It also hurt.
Both could coexist.
