Abraham Jordan cheated and lied. Beatrice prayed, consulted with her pastor, prayed again, and then accepted each deception with a smile. Clarice watched and learned. Unlike her mother, who had been taken by surprise, Clarice had received fair warning about Richmond. Just before Clarice’s marriage, Odette had a frank talk with her friend that forced Clarice to open her eyes and see just how much Richmond had in common with Abraham Jordan. Clarice had nearly called off the wedding, but, because she loved Richmond
