They worked in tense silence while Mrs. Talbot stood frozen, her mouth opening and closing like a landed fish. Finally, she spun on her heel and marched out, the door slamming behind her. Mr. Hutchins exhaled heavily.
I'm sorry about that, Jonas. Constance has always been a vicious gossip who makes herself feel important by tearing others down, Jonas finished. I know. It's not your fault, Herbert. They loaded their purchases quickly.
Lena's hands shook as she carried packages to the wagon, mortification burning through her veins. She'd brought this on Jonas, on his children. Her presence, her past, her failures, they were poisoning the peace he'd built. The ride home was silent. The children sensed the adults' moods and stayed quiet, even the little ones subdued.
Lena stared at her hands, shame coiling in her stomach like a snake. When they reached the cabin, Jonas unhitched the horses while the children scattered to their chores. Lena moved to help unload supplies, but Jonas caught her arm gently. Leave it. We need to talk.
Dread filled her chest. Jonas, I'm so sorry. I never meant to bring trouble to your door. If I'd known that woman would This isn't about Constance Talbott. Jonas guided her to the porch steps, and they sat side by side.
This is about you thinking you're responsible for other people's cruelty. But she was right about some things. People will talk about me living here, about my past, about Let them talk. Jonas's voice was firm. Lena, look at me.
She raised her eyes to his. I don't care what Constance Talbott thinks. I don't care what the whole town thinks. What matters is what's true. And the truth is that you've been a blessing to this family.
The children adore you. The house runs smoother. Everyone's happier. Those are facts. Everything else is just noise.
But what about your reputation? The children's reputation? If people think there's something improper, then they're fools. Jonas's jaw set stubbornly. There's nothing improper about helping each other.
Nothing shameful about providing shelter to someone who needs it. And anyone who suggests otherwise can answer to me. Lena wanted to believe him. Wanted to accept his words and let go of the shame eating at her. But she'd lived too long with judgment, with whispers, condemnation, with being made to feel like her very existence was an imposition.
What did she mean about Thomas telling everyone? Lena asked quietly. About me being barren? About lying to him? Jonas's expression darkened.