Chapter 141

Elsie didn’t sleep a wink that night. Lisa Smith had made some pastries, so Elsie packed a box and decided to drop by the old house to see Margaret. She hadn’t told anyone she was coming, so Margaret had no idea. Nancy Johnson told her Margaret was in the back garden. Elsie carried the pastry box and went looking for her. Though peonies don’t bloom long, the gardeners at the Harding estate had kept them lush and vibrant, blooming in clusters. Inside the glass conservatory thick with greenery, Elsie spotted Margaret right away. Her tone was sharp—clearly furious about something. Aside from those three years long ago, Elsie had hardly ever seen her this mad. She shifted her gaze and noticed, behind the leaves, a tall man in dark clothes seated across from her. His face was hidden. Just as Elsie pushed the door open, Margaret yelled, voice trembling with rage, “Get out! Leave right now!” Startled, Elsie rushed over to support her unsteady frame. “Mom, what got you this upset?” As she spok