Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

She made her rounds through the mansion, greeting her countless aunts and uncles with a smile that could light up the room.

Then, with her arms folded, she strutted over to Madge, "Well, no offense, but this place is a mess! You ever think of tidying up a bit?"

Madge had tried, but somehow, within half an hour, it would look even worse than before.

Abbey couldn't help herself, "Anyone would think you folks invented laziness, look at this floor, mud all over! And what's that pile on the table? Smells like a dumpster dive."

"Good heavens, this towel's turned black! What's it for, scrubbing the grill?"

Martha snatched it away, "Why are you fussing over my face cloth?"

Abbey was speechless.

"Anyway, tomorrow's Mom's big 80th birthday bash, and sure, we can overlook a bit of mess among family, but what if the neighbors see? Talk about a disgrace. Maybe put in a little effort, dear?"

With a disdainful turn of her head, she acted as though she couldn't bear to look.

Madge's face turned sour.

Irving gave Abbey's sleeve a pull, signaling her to tone it down a bit.

Abbey shrugged him off irritably. Why should she stop? She hadn't even started!

"A bit of chaos with a crowd this size is inevitable. You should

on her

diplomat: "Since you're benefiting from the situation, maybe keep a low profile.

so bored, why not help me clean up a bit? You were the one worried about bringing shame on

went for the

if she'd seen a ghost, "I just remembered, I have something urgent

and Irving couldn't get out

...

the next day

a hearty hotel banquet, relatives and

finally breathe a sigh of

returned home, they found Martha's

Norris was dumbfounded.

shuttle to the village leave this

Joie insisted we stay a few more days. When the birthday girl herself

brought it up offhand, never thinking

Staying at Norris' expense

host

and Madge exchanged

...