Today, they would confront Reed's accusations head-on. Today, everything would either fall into place or fall apart completely. Jonas was already at the breakfast table when she emerged, fully dressed despite the early hour. The children were unusually quiet, sensing the tension that filled the house like smoke. I want to come with you, Ruthie said as Jonas prepared to hitch the wagon.
To the sheriff's office. Whatever happens, I want to be there. Me, too, Samuel added. Jonas shook his head. This isn't something for children to We're not children, Ruthie interrupted, her voice steady.
Not anymore. We stopped being children the day Mama died and we had to grow up to survive. We deserve to be there, to stand with Miss Lena. Jonas looked at Lena, questioning. She felt her throat tighten at the fierce loyalty in Ruthie's eyes.
"Let them come," she said softly. "They've earned the right." The ride into Millbrook was tense and silent. Ruthie sat beside Lena in the back of the wagon, her hand gripping Lena's with surprising strength. Samuel sat up front with his father, his young shoulders squared with determination. Sheriff Brennan was in his office when they arrived along with someone Lena hadn't expected, Reverend Matthews, and standing beside him, a woman Lena recognized with a jolt of shock.
"Margaret?" Lena's voice came out strangled. Her cousin stood nervously by the window, her hands twisting a handkerchief. She looked older than Lena remembered, worn down by something Lena couldn't name. "I'm sorry," Margaret blurted out before anyone else could speak. "Lena, I'm so sorry for what I did.
For telling Thomas about about everything. I didn't know he would use it against you like that. I thought he deserved to know the truth, but I should have let you tell him yourself." "What are you doing here?" Lena managed. "Reverend Matthews contacted me. Told me what was happening about Reed Mercer's accusations." Margaret's eyes filled with tears.
"And I remembered things. Things I'd pushed aside because they made me uncomfortable. About how Reed used to watch you when he visited, how he'd find excuses to be alone with you, how angry he got when you left Daniel." Sheriff Brennan leaned forward in his chair. "Mrs. Harper, why don't you tell Miss Crowell what you told me this morning?" Margaret took a shaky breath.
"After you left, Reed came to see me, multiple times. He asked questions about where you'd gone, who you'd been in contact with. He seemed obsessed, and then he started offering money. Said if I could provide information proving you'd stolen from Daniel's estate, he'd pay handsomely." Lena's blood ran cold. "He tried to bribe you?" "Yes, at first I refused.
I But then Margaret's voice broke. My husband lost his business. We were desperate. Reed offered $500 for testimony that the pearls, the candlesticks, all of it belonged to Daniel. $500 we desperately needed." "Did you take it?" Jonas's voice was hard. "No, I almost did, God help me, but I couldn't because it would have been a lie." Margaret looked at Lena with anguished eyes.
"Those pearls were grandmother's. She gave them to you on your 16th birthday. I was there. I watched her fasten them around your neck and tell you they'd been in our family for three generations." "You remember that?" Lena whispered. "I remember everything.