How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elinor's grin widened. "Well, that means you two hit it off, doesn't it? Miss

Aldridge, Jarrod can be a bit... difficult with people and situations, even I find him

a little intimidating. But if you get along with Sprague, you should come visit more

often!"

"Is that so? At least Mr. Silverstein has better taste than Jarrod," Patricia replied,

glancing in the direction Jarrod had left, deliberately ignoring Elinor's latter

suggestion.

Sprague sipped his tea, fully aware of his mother's intentions.

She was hoping he and Patricia might become something more.

Ideally, even a marriage alliance.

That would be quite advantageous...

Jarrod entered his grandmother's bedroom.

After what had happened yesterday, she was still shaken and not feeling well.

She was lying down, but when she saw Jarrod, she sat up. "How is Elodie?"

Jarrod took a seat. "Didn't I already tell you?"

The old woman's face darkened. She couldn't help thinking the world was terribly

unfair-how could it be so cruel to such a good child?

But...

Just then, Lucinda entered, her voice low and calm. "Miss Aldridge came by to

visit. What was that attitude you gave her?"

of water,

attitude. Maybe you should consider what your siblings are up

is clearly hoping for a match with the

you plenty

could

bother with pleasantries. "Someone like Patricia? Best keep

obvious the second branch has their own agenda, but

she's not setting foot

was nothing more than an

during the rumors about Elodie's supposed "miscarriage"

a few words, she could easily stir up trouble and spark all

of drama.

her side of the

a 'suitable' candidate, of course they'd be

would never allow someone like Patricia to

healthy again, he'd make sure she never

sort of trouble.

her suffer, not even a

Patricia herself-he'd handle

face hardened. "What's that supposed to

but she understood

at.

to

well.

might interfere in

was shrewd-calculating

grandmother was alright, Jarrod

Lucinda a look-she was clearly

regarded her coolly,

unchanging. "Let's get something

married man. I

to act with

have no intention

harem in a

civilized society."