Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Mrs. Ferguson was the last to step up to Walter. He looked so much older than her-lined face, tired eyes. They exchanged a quick look, nodded, and that was it. No words, no emotion. It was almost like they were strangers.

No one else said much either. Some people paid their respects in silence, others offered Simon a few quiet words of comfort. The whole thing dragged on for hours -four, maybe five-before someone finally suggested they all head to the old house for dinner that night.

Tara had stayed close to Mrs. Ferguson the whole time. When she heard the dinner plans, she leaned in and whispered, "Mrs. Ferguson, do you mind if I go talk to Dylan for a bit?"

Mrs. Ferguson smiled and gave her hand a gentle pat. "Of course, dear. Go on."

All eyes followed Tara as she walked toward Dylan. Simon, watching from the sidelines, wore a look that was half mocking, half smug. Everyone knew why Tara was here. Grandma brought her along as a not-so-subtle message: as far as Mrs. Ferguson was concerned, Tara was the only woman worthy of being Dylan's wife. Clara? Marriage certificates? Didn't mean a thing.

In the Ferguson family, Dylan was never one to listen to Walter. The only person he ever really listened to was Mrs. Ferguson.

Tara wore a simple black dress, handmade by the same artisan who'd crafted Mrs. Ferguson's outfit. She stopped in front of Dylan, her posture calm and open, and held out her hand.

"Long time no see," she said.

Dylan didn't even look up, didn't reach for her hand. Just a quiet, "Mm."

Tara didn't miss a beat. "Maybe we could have dinner sometime? I haven't seen Nicholas and the others in ages."

He just gave another noncommittal, "Mm."

traditionally beautiful-no softness or dramatic features—but she had a confidence and warmth about her that made people feel she belonged anywhere. The kind of woman the older generation loved: steady, poised, like

filled a room, made you think of old

adventures abroad. Got a lot of stories to share,"

But just then, Tara stepped a little closer

health?" she asked,

for a second, then glanced

of concern. "Last time I saw you, you

off, voice flat. "I'm

smiling more genuinely now. "Good. You really scared me last

Ferguson, who gave her

to the manor

rushed back mostly because of Ada, but

arrived, Mrs. Ferguson was gone again. Walter went with her, Tara too. Being in the same ear as both of them said everything about Tara's position in the family-no one

Someone looked like they wanted to offer congratulations, but a

them with a shake

Everyone knew Dylan

attention, especially from his

so-called social network