Chapter 8
Agnes apologized to Seraphine.
Specific.
“I knew you lived.”
“Yes.”
“I knew Ronan thought you were dead.”
“Yes.”
“I stayed quiet.”
Seraphine looked at her for a long time.
“Why?”
Agnes glanced at Elspie.
“My daughter.”
There.
Father had promised Elspie employment, schooling support, security.
Then implied all could vanish if Agnes caused trouble.
Protection for one child purchased with silence about another woman.
Seraphine nodded.
No forgiveness announced.
Then:
“I understand.”
Different.
Agnes cried.
Elspie looked uncomfortable.
She had just learned her childhood stability had been tied to a secret she never chose.
Important.
I told her:
“You owe nobody repayment for what your mother accepted to protect you.”
May you like
She looked relieved.
Children inherit enough without inheriting moral debt too.
