Odile forced the housemaid Imogen’s bandaged hands down onto the grand piano keys despite the obvious pain.
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Chapter 16 / 17
Chapter 16
Mariel eventually left the west cottage.
Her choice.
She bought a small place near the coast.
Visited twice a year.
Sometimes more.
Never moved into Ashbourne.
Good.
Belonging did not require residence.
She and I developed something awkwardly familial.
She insulted my suits.
I criticized her driving.
Normal.
One evening she asked:
“Do you wish Helena told you?”
“Yes.”
“Would you have understood at twenty?”
“Probably not.”
She smiled.
“Honest.”
Then:
“Would you have tried to fix us?”
“Yes.”
“Exactly.”
Fair.
Maybe Helena knew me.
I would have dragged both sisters into a room and demanded reconciliation because I believed family problems were solved by direct force.
I know better now.
Truth first.
May you like
Choice after.
No required reunion.
