Chapter 21 - HONORA SAYS WHY
Mother finally told me why she kept voting.
Not legal defense.
Mediation.
She said:
“When Vivienne died, you disappeared.”
“I was raising Blythe.”
“You were barely functioning.”
True.
“The trustee knew numbers. The board knew members. I knew the club.”
True.
“So I stayed.”
“Then why not renew proxy properly?”
“Because I knew First Meridian would say no.”
There.
“Why?”
“Because Vivienne told them to separate Mercer control.”
Yes.
“So you ignored her.”
Mother’s eyes filled.
“I thought she was punishing us.”
“Maybe she was protecting Blythe.”
“From me.”
“Yes.”
That hurt her.
Then:
“I loved Blythe.”
“I know.”
“You think those things cannot coexist?”
“No.”
That was the tragedy.
Love and control coexist all the time.
Then jewelry.
“Why give Maris Vivienne’s pieces?”
Mother looked ashamed.
“Because Maris was falling apart.”
“Then buy her jewelry.”
“She wanted to feel included.”
“In Vivienne’s death?”
“No.”
She rubbed her forehead.
“I had this idea that heirlooms should circulate among women who would wear them.”
“Vivienne wrote otherwise.”
“I know.”
“When did you know?”
“Immediately.”
There.
No confusion.
She knowingly overrode.
Why?
Because five-year-old Blythe “didn’t need them.”
Exactly Maris’s line.
Then:
“That was theft.”
Mother flinched.
“Maybe.”
“No. Morally, yes.”
She did not argue.
Then:
“Why throw the box?”
“I was furious she took it from the lounge.”
“Her box.”
“I know.”
Progress measured in those words.
I know.
Then:
“Do you want to see Blythe?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s my granddaughter.”
“Not because she owns Briarhaven?”
Mother stared.
Then laughed once through tears.
“No.”
Good.
Still, access would not return because of one mediation.
Blythe would decide with me and counselor gradually.
Apology first.
Behavior.
No jewelry talk.
No club ownership talk.
May you like
No money.
Mother agreed.
