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I contemplate the stately house while collecting myself. As an introvert, doing these yearly audits almost makes me want to quit my job.
“Mom, where's all the money that I set aside quarterly for taxes?” The line goes silent. I pull back to make sure we haven’t lost connection—or the more probable reason, that she hung up on me. Nope. Still connected. “Mom?” “Listen, honey, Chet needed help getting back on his feet—and who could blame him after the way that you took him through the wringer?” My eye twitches. “You…gave my tax money to my ex?!” “He's disabled! Fern, are you really so heartless?”
“Ladies are allowed pleasure. I was raised that all women are ladies, and not in the way that puts societal restrictions on the term. Rather, one where men show women respect—you are the backbone of society and that position demands everyone’s highest regard.”
She’s a queen, holding her head high and exuding sunshine from her soul. I want to bottle it up and carry it around with me forever.
“Tune them out. Their gossip isn't your truth.”
“Who do you work for?” Even though I know she’s just making small talk, I don’t want to say for Fern’s sake. “Actually, I’m not at liberty to say.” This brings the older woman up short. “Are you a spy?!” My mouth drops open in shock as I try to get the words out denying the accusation, but Francine just cackles. “Don’t worry—your secret is safe with me! Ooo, boy, these next sixty days are going to be interesting! It’s been a while since this town has seen anything to shake it up.”
“Are you kidding me? Eckert said I was the only woman he took here!” “Oh, please! Eckert was a whore,” Francine says succinctly, and Seraphina loses her cool.

