Vanessa’s face reddened.
“And you got all of it.”
I looked at Margaret.
“My wife gave you her mother’s pearl bracelet because she wanted you to feel like a daughter.”
Margaret lowered her eyes.
Vanessa said nothing.
I continued.
“She helped you address your invitations. She sat with you while you cried over seating arrangements. She spent three Saturdays looking for the exact shade of blue you wanted for the table linens.”
Margaret whispered, “Thomas…”
I shook my head.
“No. You don’t have to protect her anymore.”
Then I looked at Vanessa.
“And this morning, you pushed that woman into the mud.”
Vanessa finally snapped.
“She was always judging me!”
The words came out so loudly that several guests flinched.
Margaret looked at her.
“I never judged you.”
“Yes, you did!”
Vanessa’s voice cracked.
“You never thought I was good enough for Daniel.”
Margaret stared at her.
“That isn’t true.”
“You gave me that bracelet like I was some charity case!”
“That bracelet belonged to my mother.”
“I know!”
Vanessa’s breathing became heavier.
“You kept reminding me that your family had traditions. You kept telling me how your son was raised. You kept asking whether I understood what marriage meant.”
