Are you happy? Thomas asked suddenly, looking past her to the boys in the wagon with the Thatchers. Are they treating you well? I'm happier than I've ever been, Eliza said honestly. Those boys have become my sons.
Their sister is my daughter. Their father gave me something I never thought I'd have. A home where I'm valued. So yes, Thomas. I'm very well treated.
Relief flooded her brother's face. I'm glad. I'm so glad, Eliza. I was so afraid that that I'd ended up with someone cruel, someone who'd hurt me. Eliza shook her head.
Bo Thatcher is a good man. The best man I've ever known, actually. He saved me, Thomas. Not from P, for myself. From believing I was worthless.
Thomas reached out hesitantly, and when Eliza didn't pull away, he pulled her into a fierce hug. "I miss you," he whispered into her hair. The house is so quiet without you. Ma doesn't talk anymore. Just sits and stares.
And Pa P drinks more than ever. I'm sorry, Eliza said, meaning it. But I can't come back, Thomas. That's not my home anymore. I know.
I just can I visit you at the ranch? I want to make sure you're all right, and I want to meet your new family properly. Eliza pulled back, considering, "Let me talk to Bo first. " But yes, I'd like that. I'd like for you to see that I'm truly happy. They parted with promises to arrange a visit, and Eliza climbed back onto the wagon, feeling lighter somehow.
She'd faced her demons today. Mrs. Peton's cruelty, the town's judgment, her own family's complicated feelings, and she'd survived. More than survived. She'd stood her ground.
"Mama," Matthew said as they left Ashridge behind. Was that your brother? Yes, that was Thomas. Is he nice? Can we trust him?