Chapter 5
With a heavy thud, Jeannette dropped to her knees before Blanche. “Blanche, please–don’t let Mrs. Brown send me away,” she pleaded, her voice trembling.
The rear window of the car slid down, and Healy poked his head out. “Mom, why did you say bad things about Miss Jean in front of Grandma?” His words stung–he was accusing her.
Blanche’s gaze fell on Jeannette, kneeling in the muddy driveway, looking as delicate and pitiful as a little white blossom battered by the rain.
This was exactly why Blanche had brought Healy here today–to drive a wedge between him and his mother.
“Healy, don’t yell at your mom. She would never say a bad word about anyone,” Eddy’s voice cut in, protective as always. Blanche met his deep, tender eyes.
If she hadn’t known the truth, she might have been moved by that look. Now, it just seemed laughable.
“If Mom didn’t say anything, then why does Grandma want to fire Miss Jean? It must have been you, Mom!” Healy refused to believe otherwise. He scrambled out of the car, helping Jeannette to her feet. “Miss Jean, come on–stand up, your jeans are soaked.”
Blanche watched as Healy fussed over Jeannette’s wet clothes, not sparing a glance for his own mother, who stood shivering, rain–soaked and chilled to the bone.
Something twisted painfully inside her.
Jeannette bit her lip as if holding back tears, but the glint in her eyes and the smug tilt of her mouth betrayed her.
“Healy, I’m fine. As long as Blanche doesn’t send me away, I’ll stay on my knees as long as it
takes.”
Blanche forced patience into her voice. “Healy, how many times have I told you? You shouldn’t accuse people without proof.”
Healy’s mouth quivered. “Then tell Grandma not to fire Miss Jean and I’ll believe you.”
Miss Jean was so good, even Dad liked her. Besides Mom, who else would have complained
about Miss Jean?
Blanche could hardly believe her own son could make such a demand of her–all for Jeannette’s
sake.
She’d spoiled him too much, let him believe a mother’s love meant he could do anything he pleased.
“Healy, no one can change your grandma’s decision. You can’t make unreasonable demands on your mother like this,” Eddy chimed in, sounding as if he supported Blanche, but really giving Healy yet another idea.
Chapter
“Then I’ll go ask Grandma myself! Dad, let’s go, let’s hurry back to the house!” Healy grabbed Jeannette’s hand and tugged her into the back seat, Jeannette only pretending to resist.
Blanche watched the two of them together–her son and Jeannette, as close as if they were mother and child. She kept telling herself she’d be leaving soon, that none of this would matter, but she couldn’t quiet the ache in her chest.
She was jolted from her thoughts by the touch of warm fingers on her frozen hand. Eddy’s voice was gentle. “Don’t take what Healy says to heart. It’s just a small thing, not worth your worry. Once my mother lets Jeannette go, everything will go back to the way it was.”
Back to the way it was?
That was impossible.
“My mother just called. She wants us to come home right away.”
“It’s close by, and you’re soaked through–you need to get changed.”
Eddy’s mother, Loraine Brown, had chosen to bury Blanche’s mother in this cemetery so she could visit often. The two women had been best friends. After her mother’s passing, Loraine had taken Blanche under her wing, loving her like her own daughter.
Eddy’s betrayal had nothing to do with Loraine.
Blanche shook off Eddy’s hand, her voice cold. “I’ll drive myself.” She couldn’t stand the thought of sitting where Jeannette had just been.
She headed for her car parked by the curb. Eddy followed, sheltering her with an umbrella as she climbed inside.
In the rearview mirror, the family van grew smaller and smaller, receding into the distance.
Blanche pulled up in front of the Simmons Mansion.
“Laney, what happened? You’re soaking wet,” Loraine hurried toward her, surrounded by umbrellas and staff. She wrapped Blanche in her arms, concern written all over her face. “Where’s Eddy? Didn’t he come back with you?”
She called for someone to prepare a hot bath, then led Blanche upstairs, arm around her shoulders.
Seeing Loraine’s genuine worry brought tears to Blanche’s eyes.
How heartbroken would Loraine be if she found out about Eddy’s betrayal?
Blanche didn’t want her to worry. “He’s right behind me, Mom. His car’s just coming up.”
Loraine coaxed her up the stairs. “Go take a hot bath and warm up, sweetheart.”
Once Blanche had changed into fresh clothes, Loraine took her hand.
“My dear, don’t be sad. I know everything that’s going on.”
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“You’re my precious girl. I won’t let anyone treat you unfairly.”
“Whatever you decide to do, I’ll stand by you,” Loraine said, her voice steady and full of love.
The unwavering affection in Loraine’s eyes broke down the last of Blanche’s composure. Tears spilled over, unstoppable.
She’d always thought that, no matter how much Loraine cared for her, in the end Eddy would come first. Even if Loraine was hurt or angry about Eddy’s betrayal, she would still choose to protect her son, for the sake of the family business.
But Loraine was here, firmly on her side.
Blanche, overwhelmed, finally voiced her decision. “Mom, I’m going to divorce-”
The words were cut off as Healy burst into the room, flinging himself into Loraine’s arms.
“Grandma, I promise I’ll never call Miss Jean ‘Mommy‘ again. Please, please don’t send her away.” Healy’s eyes were red and swollen, his voice choked with tears as he begged his grandmother.
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