Chapter 13
Mathilda had been trudging around town all day long, her spirit nearly trampled by the weight of her worries. She knew some of her students were in Greenmeadow. But they all said that those decent coffees like St. Helena Coffee were all tucked away by Hackett.
The more questions Mathilda asked, the more desperate she felt.
Being mocked by Laurinda didn’t faze her much, but when Lorna managed to the feathers of Steward, Mathilda knew life at the Delaney family would only get tougher.
Cordelia, the apple of her eye, began to interject, but Mathilda cut her off, her voice heavy with disapproval. “When your mother wanted to marry your father, I was against it. High society life is no cakewalk. After the wedding, Laurinda nitpicked everything your mother did, especially since Kermit’s wife is from an appropriate family background. Lorna’s place in the household just plummeted.”
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Cordelia tried to speak but was cut off again. “And then you went missing, Laurinda took it out on Lorna more. I told Lorna to have another child, that it’d make life easier, but that she refused, saying it wouldn’t be fair to you.”
Cordelia was taken aback, warmth spreading through her chest. Lorna had gone to such lengths for her… This revelation deepened Cordelia’s sense of belonging and reshaped her understanding of her mother.
“Lorna’s too headstrong.” Mathilda continued, her eyes reddening. “Once she sets her mind on something, she charges ahead. She was so esteemed, courted by many, but look at her now. It breaks my heart.”
Mathilda trembled her voice, “Steward has already gone home. Your father’s out of state on business and won’t make it back today. There’s no one in that house to stand up for Lorna. But I won’t stand for it! Even if it costs me my life, I won’t let her be mistreated. Worst comes to worst, I’ll just take Lorna back home with me!”
With that, she marched toward the grand hall.
Cordelia was speechless. ‘Grandma, can I just get a word in?” she thought.
She followed Mathilda, swiftly retrieving a packet of coffee beans from her backpack and slipping it into her
hand
Mathilda wanted to examine it, but Laurinda’s scolding voice echoed from the living room, “Lorna, you are the disgrace of the Delaney family!”
Cordelia furrowed her brow. Without another word, both women hastened their steps into the living room.
The maids were all peeking from the dining area, craning their necks toward the drama unfolding in the living. room. There, Steward and Laurinda sat on the plush sofa, Steward with a storm brewing on his face and Laurinda looking like she was settling in for a juicy episode of her favorite soap opera.
Lorna stood before them, unable to lift her head, her eyes brimming with tears.
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“What do you have to cry about?” Laurinda sneered. “What else can you do besides cry? Lorna, do you idea how important this project was for the company?”
Lorna had no defense. She took a deep breath and lifted her head. “I was wrong. I accept the consequences.”
The situation had escalated beyond the point of argument.
Lorna knew Steward valued his pride above all. He had defended her before, not because of any particular affection for her but to save face for the Delaney family after Laurinda had slapped her too publicly.
Steward spoke, “Very well, let’s resort to the family discipline!”
These words sent a shiver through Lorna.
Laurinda continued, “It’s not personal, Lorna. But if we let such a blunder slide, what will become of the Delaney family’s authority? Steward, you don’t object to this punishment, do you?”
Steward furrowed his brow and nodded reluctantly As he did, Sandra approached with the prepared punishment rod, its steel surface gleaming ominously. Lorna shrank her pupils at the sight, her shoulders beginning to tremble. With one strike from that rod, she’d be swollen for a month, or so Sanderson had warned.
Laurinda was gleamed with anticipation. The humiliation she suffered yesterday would be avenged today.
She nodded at Sandra, who raised the rod to strike Lorna’s back.
“Stop!”
Mathilda rushed forward, shielding Lorna with her body, her glare fixed on Laurinda. “What era do you think we’re living in that you’re still enforcing archaic family laws? This is akin to setting up a private court, which is illegal! If you dare lay a hand on my daughter, I’ll call the police!”
Laurinda lifted her drooping eyelids with a scoff. “Every noble family has its traditions. Mathilda, this is a Delaney family matter. I suggest you step aside before you get hurt.”
Unintimidated, Mathilda locked eyes with Sandra. “Go ahead, then. Strike me. Let everyone see how the great Delaney family bullies the old and weak. I’d like to see how you salvage your good name after that!”
Laurinda tilted up her chin, her voice dripping with disdain. “Fine, if Lorna is too delicate to handle the Delaney family’s ways, then take her home!”
Mathilda grabbed Lorna. “Fine, we will go! Lorna and Cordelia, come home with me!”
But Lorna remained silent.
She couldn’t bear to leave Sanderson, a conservative man who seldom interfered with household affairs but was a good husband.
Laurinda’s jeers were the worst she endured, thanks to Sanderson. He’d even whispered in Steward after the slap, bolstering Lorna’s standing.
And now, their home phone and Steward’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing. It was Sanderson, too far to return quickly, calling desperately..
He had always protected her in his quiet way.
Now, their daughter had returned, and Sanderson was on the cusp of taking over the family business from Steward. If Lorna went back with Mathilda, by the next day, rumors of Sanderson’s divorce would be swirling!
That would be disastrous for his reputation!
Kermit had been itching for years to dethrone Sanderson, and she couldn’t hand him this opportunity silver platter.
With that thought, Lorna released Mathilda’s hand, “Mom, I’m not leaving.”
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Mathilda was so frantic she felt like smacking some sense into her, “Lorna! Why do you have to be so stubborn?”
Lorna stood her ground, about to say something when she suddenly noticed what Mathilda was holding. Her expression froze at the sight of the delicate little box, typically used for storing coffee beans…
Stunned, she took the box and opened it. When she saw the contents, she was astounded, “St. Helena Coffee?” The atmosphere shifted abruptly, and everyone was somewhat perplexed.
Laurinda had been sure of her victory, but had Mathilda bought coffee beans? Impossible! She blurted out in disbelief, “That coffee must be fake! Trying to pass off some counterfeit beans to pull the wool over our eyes?” Steward stepped forward, taking the coffee beans from a bemused Lorna and giving it a careful examination. He concluded in astonishment, “It’s real.”
And just by looking at the box, it was of a higher quality than what he had purchased!
turned to Mathilda, his eyes wide with excitement, and asked, “Where on earth did you get this?”