“This is a private family gathering.”
“You made it public when you told everyone I was a liar.”
I opened the box.
“I wrote to Evelyn every year. These are the copies, the postal receipts, and the envelopes that were returned to me.”
Margaret gave them a dismissive glance.
“They prove that you mailed envelopes. They do not prove what you placed inside them.”
Barry stepped forward and laid several aged letters beside the box.
“These prove the rest. I found them hidden inside Margaret’s desk.”
The entire room fell silent.
Margaret’s face hardened.
“I did what was necessary to protect this family. Frank left, and Rachel would have used that child to demand a share of the estate.”
Emma moved closer to me.
The sole of one new boot squeaked against the polished floor.
“My daughter has a name,” I said.
Margaret looked away.
“You erased her because you were afraid she might receive something you believed belonged to you.”
