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!

crowd this size is inevitable. You should actually thank us; otherwise, your place would be the

choked on her

the diplomat: "Since you're benefiting from the situation, maybe keep a low profile. Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

me clean up a bit? You

she went

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

Irving couldn't get

...

next day was the

banquet, relatives and friends went

and Madge could finally

and they returned home, they found Martha's family

Norris was dumbfounded.

shuttle to the village leave this

more days. When the birthday girl herself says so, how

only brought it up offhand,

taken seriously it was, and why not? Staying at Norris' expense wasn't putting her out

gracious host if it costs

and Madge exchanged looks, feeling

...