Chapter 27

MELANIE Idiscreetly pick at the lace trim on the tablecloth, wishing I was at Nathan’s father’s house rather than being forced to endure an afternoon tea with my mother and Bryce. He did try to insist on coming with me, but I suspect this is the last time I’ll be coming here for a while given the conversation I’m about to initiate, and what I have to say needs to be said without my husband present. “You’re quieter than usual, Melanie,” my mother says. I shake my head. “Sorry, I was distracted. Did you say Bryce would be joining us?” She sniffs. “He’ll be down shortly.” Glancing around the room, I nod. The parlor has always been stifling. Even when my father was alive, this room was my mother’s domain. Don’t sit there, Melanie. Don’t touch that. Stop fidgeting.I pull at the neck of my sweater, wishing once more I was with Nathan. Actually, anywhere but here would be preferable. “You look tired, dear sister.” Bryce’s arrogant voice carries across the room. “Is married life wearing you ou