My Fiancé Stole My University Acceptance Letter novel · Chapter 10 of 24

Chapter 10: The Photograph

"You came," Lena said, and hugged me in the hall.

She smelled of lavender soap, and her scarf was soft against my cheek.

"Brendan asked me to help with the tea," she said. "Mrs. Sutcliffe's housekeeper is off on Sundays, and I know how to work her kettle."

"You know your way around."

"I've been in here since I was little, remember? With you, for the Christmas party."

I did remember.

I also remembered that the Christmas party had been in a different room, and that Lena had not been to this house in ten years.

She led me down the hall without being told which door.

Harriet sat in the front parlor with a silver tea service in front of her and her cane propped against the arm of the chair.

She had dressed for the occasion in gray silk.

"Ciara. Sit."

I sat.

She poured, and the spout rattled once against the rim of my cup.

I noticed her hand.

"You've had a quiet few days," she said.

"The whole town's talking."

"They'll talk about something else by Easter." She set the pot down. "I wished to tell you in person that there are no hard feelings. A girl may be excited. It passes."

"Is that why the notice is still taped to my father's door?"

"Notices can be withdrawn." She watched me over the cup. "Ciara, how did you know about the chest?"

"Which chest?"

"Don't be coy."

"I guessed."

"No one guesses a curtain hem."

"Then maybe you shouldn't hide keys in curtains."

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