Chapter 15
Lisette returned to Winslowe House eighteen months later.
Not to work.
As a guest.
Her younger brother had earned a scholarship through a regional program Helena founded years earlier.
The award dinner happened here.
Lisette arrived in a simple blue dress.
No lace headband.
No apron.
She looked at the console where Octavia had accused her.
Then at me.
“I hate that table.”
“Reasonable.”
We moved it the next week.
Not because furniture was guilty.
Because it was ugly.
That was my official explanation.
Lisette laughed.
During dinner, Margaret Winslowe asked whether Lisette’s mother really knew Helena well.
“Yes.”
“What did Marianne think of the bracelet?”
Lisette smiled.
“She called it the prettiest handcuff in America.”
The table went silent.
Then Augusta laughed first.
I followed.
Even Margaret eventually smiled.
May you like
Good.
Truth does not always need solemnity.
