After Gideon’s mother came here.”
Gideon noticed his mother being mentioned.
Rosalie translated.
Merrick continued.
“She confronted Father when Gideon was about twenty-six.”
Twelve years earlier.
The same year Eleanor wrote the letter.
Rosalie understood.
“His mother knew.”
“Suspected,” Merrick said.
“She had always suspected.”
Gideon’s breathing changed.
Rosalie watched him read.
His mother had died four years later.
She had carried the truth almost to the end.
Silas sank into his chair.
“Eleanor found the journal.
She wanted me to confess.”
“But you didn’t.”
“No.”
“So she wrote Gideon’s mother.”
Silas nodded.
Rosalie looked at the letter.
Someday she may need a friend more than she needs the truth.
“Why mention me?”
Her father gave a tired laugh.
“Because your mother was planning to leave me.”
Rosalie stopped.
Merrick stared at him.
Even he had not known.
Silas rubbed both hands over his face.
“She was taking you with
