Chapter 16 - The Apology Without an Audience
Isabella returned to Rose Creek in October.
No warning.
No press.
Eleanor was stacking feed bags in the barn.
"You really do smell like a farm," Isabella said from the doorway.
"That came out wrong."
For one second they stared at each other.
"I cannot believe I just said that."
"At least you're consistent."
Isabella helped carry feed.
Afterward they sat on the porch with iced tea.
Isabella said:
"I apologized before, but I was still trying to explain myself."
"So I'm going to try again."
She looked directly at her.
"I humiliated you because I thought your work made you less sophisticated than me. I thought money and appearances meant I had earned the right to judge people. My father fed that part of me, but it was already there."
"I'm sorry."
No request for forgiveness.
"Thank you."
"Do you forgive me?"
Eleanor looked across the field.
"Some days more than others."
"That's fair."
"I know."
Before leaving, Isabella asked about Charles.
Eleanor's expression sharpened.
"Don't use me to reach him."
"I'm not."
"Good."
"I miss him."
"I believe you."
"Do you think he'll ever forgive me?"
"That's his question."
She had learned not every door opened because she wanted an answer.
That night Charles came for dinner.
Eleanor mentioned Isabella's visit only after dessert.
"What did she want?"
"To apologize."
"Again?"
"Better this time."
Charles looked down at his coffee.
A message from Isabella.
No emotional speech.
Just one sentence:
May you like
I FOUND SOMETHING IN MY FATHER'S OLD OFFICE THAT BELONGS TO YOUR MOTHER.
Attached was a photograph of Henry Bennett's wedding ring.
