Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

When Sylvia came back to the table, her eyes were rimmed red-you'd have to be blind not to realize she'd been crying.

Reese immediately set down her fork and handed Sylvia a napkin. "Hey, Sylvia, are you alright?"

Sylvia clutched the napkin, trying to keep it together. "I'm fine. Just got some soap in my eyes, that's all."

At that, Kay shot Sylvia a quick glance, her eyes lingering on the swollen redness, then gave an awkward little laugh. She took a sip of her chowder and, over the rim of her spoon, exchanged a silent look with Mrs. Hanson.

Mrs. Hanson, wrapped in her thick fur stole, set down her knife and fork. There was a look in her eyes-kind of generous, but in that condescending way. "Sylvia, we've already talked to Mr. Rupert and the others. The wedding's set for next week. We'll keep it simple."

Sylvia looked up, shooting Rupert a cold glance. "Don't need my opinion, I guess."

"Good girl. That's the way. A woman should follow her husband's lead-that's how it's always been. These days, women are too pampered for their own good. Someone needs to set them straight."

Mrs. Hanson smiled sweetly at Sylvia, but it felt sharp, like there were thorns behind it. "Once you're married, I'll make sure you learn how things are done around here. You're young-having five, six, seven kids won't be any trouble at all."

She just glanced down

her midsection. "I... I was just busy with work when I was younger. Didn't have time for

quietly, barely bothering to hide her

never seemed to realize that while she treated other women like livestock, she was a woman herself. Of course, she only had the guts to

humble Sylvia acted, the more pleased Rupert

being a mom. First one should be a boy, of course. After

a gentle but decisive clink. His fingers, decorated with a ruby

the rest of her words,

confused by Rupert's sudden displeasure.

dwell on it, Kay cleared her throat and offered an explanation. Mrs. Hanson, you know Reese is stiltrecovering and all this talk about babies just puts extra pressure

gone a little pale, clearly rattled by the conversation. No wonder Rupert had been so quick to

"Ms. Sanford isn't

you're a woman, Mrs. Hanson. I don't see the

right, Mom," Kay agreed. "Let's drop it and eat. Ms. Sanford, you have to try this-it's