Chapter 26
Helen’s voice echoed in the dining room. Those harsh words indicated how angry she was. “You’ve forgotten how your father died? You’d dare to kill me the same way?”
The heated words transformed into flames that consumed Helen. She pounded the table a couple of times. The clinks of spoons and ladles against the bowls added to the choos. “After the divorce, stay at home. Nowhere else is allowed.”
Elizabeth took a few forkfuls of pasta, yet she couldn’t feel the usual satisfied fullness. The delicious pasta fell flat, leaving a sour taste in her mouth, as if tears were welling up.
Martha broke the tense silence, serving a bowl of soup for Helen, and tactfully spoke up for Elizabeth. “Mrs. Taylor, please don’t be upset. Betty just mentioned it casually. Don’t take it to heart”
Martha had been with the Taylor family for decades, well–versed in Helen’s temperament, knowing just how to soothe the waters.
Helen took the spoon and coldly snorted at Elizabeth, “If you dare run off to join those chaotic circuses, I won’t hesitate to break your legs.”
Lawson picked up some green beans on the table, then quickly bowed his head and said, “It’s an orchestra, not a circus”
“And you!” Helen jabbed Lawson’s head and added, “If you keep hanging around with those disorderly women, your legs are as good as gone.
The room fell into a dreadful silence. With another command from Helen. “Eat!” the atmosphere was heavy.
Elizabeth’s hand shook as she picked up her fork, catching Helen’s intense gaze. “You’ve got to stick around until after my birthday.” Helen declared firmly. It felt like a temporary ban.
“Alright.” Elizabeth reluctantly agreed with a nod
After dinner, Elizabeth offered to help with the dishes, but Martha swiftly intervened, swiping the items from her. “Betty, no need for chores here. You go to relax. There will be many guests the day after tomorrow, and there’s plenty to do.”
“We’re expecting a crowd for Mom’s birthday?” Elizabeth asked
The dining room had emptied, leaving only a few servants to tidy up. Martha, speaking in a hushed tone, understood. Elizabeth’s concern, “Don’t worry, Franklin hasn’t come in the past few times. He just sends gifts. You won’t see him” Her reassurance came with a pat on Elizabeth’s hand.
It had been three years since she married into the Jones family, but Franklin had never attended Helen’s birthdays in person. On such occasions, Helen would always complain that Elizabeth was just as cold as her cold–blooded husband. Little did she know that Elizabeth had no intention of bringing Franklin home.
Elizabeth gripped Martha’s slightly dry hand firmly, saying. “Martha, come with me.
“What’s the mystery about?” Martha asked.
Just come with me, Elizabeth said.
They ascended the stairs together, away from the others. From a deep drawer, Elizabeth retrieved an exquisite brocade box, inside lay a superb emerald brooch, its luster shimmering under the dim light, a piece of inestimable value.
“Help me give it to Mom” Elizabeth spoke
Martha hesitated, refusing to take it. “Betty, you should give the birthday gift to her yourself. She’d be thrilled.”
“Nope, Mom won’t be pleased if I present it. Please help me. Over these years, I haven’t saved much and this is all I have. I’ve been wanting to give this to her. On her previous birthdays, Franklin always beat me to it with his gift, Elizabeth pleaded.
During her time in the Jones residence, Elizabeth had to endure everything. She dared not do anything that would displease Franklin, except for the divorce matter. The divorce, she too wanted it to be amicable, but Franklin insisted on making a scene.
When Martha held up the brooch in front of Helen’s dress, she remarked, “What a stunning piece! Betty has great taste.”
Glancing down, Helen hesitantly accepted the brooch. Holding it up to the mirror, she said with a mix of sarcasm and concern, “She’s been taking a lot on the chin over in the Jones residence for ages, and all she’s brought back is this little trinket. What else can she do?”
“Mrs. Taylor, don’t be too hard on Betty. She can see the error of her ways”
“What’s good about that? Did she bring back the divorce certificate?” Helen cut to the heart of the matter. “Until she brings those back, she remains a part of the Jones family. Don’t underestimate Franklin. He’s not an easy one to deal with.” Her words left Martha silent,
They were overly optimistic about the divorce matter, completely forgetting Franklin’s vengeful nature.
12:13 PM
Chapter 26
“Forget it. On my birthday, I’ll have Franklin come over and we’ll get to the bottom of it,” Helen said.
Martha hesitated before saying, “But Betty might not want to see Franklin.”
Carefully placing the brooch back into the jewel box, Helen advised, “Let’s keep this from her for now.”
