“When Addison was nineteen, she came home from school on holiday. Since she obviously didn’t need a nanny any longer, I had returned to my duties around the house years before, and that night I was serving her and her father dinner. Oliver didn’t allow talking of any kind during meals, and God forbid if Addison made a sound while she ate, but as I was about to clear the dishes, Addison spoke. I can still remember struggling to hold onto the plates in my hand. I was so stunned.”

She hadn’t thought of that day for so long, so as the memories came rushing back, they ensnared Evelyn in their net. She remembered how Addison had sat tall in her chair, proud to be what she was. How she had jutted out her chin and held her head high, and when she had spoken the words, Evelyn could still see the smirk on her face and the defiance her eyes. That was the day Addison Kane became the woman the world would eventually know.

“Evelyn, are you okay?”

The sound of Joanna’s voice jerked Evelyn from her thoughts, and giving the woman an apologetic grin, Evelyn said, “I’m sorry. Where was I?”

“You were talking about Addison speaking at dinner, and you were shocked.”

“Yes, of course,” Evelyn said with a nod. “Anyway...that was the night Addison told her father she was gay. It was no surprise to me, but it should have been to Oliver, yet he didn’t even blink. Not a flicker of emotion showed on his face. It was as if he had suddenly gone deaf, but the very next day he had that candelabra delivered and placed in the middle of the table with orders that it never be moved. I’d have to think it was his way of telling her she didn’t exist.”

“Jesus,” Joanna said, shaking her head. “Wait, I’m confused. Why didn’t Addison have it removed after he died?”

A sly smile crossed Evelyn’s face. “She did, but she told me to put it back the day she married you.”

For a split-second, Joanna’s expression didn’t change, but then she burst out laughing. “Oh my God, that’s too funny.”

“It is now, but at the time I hated having to do it.”

“Well, at the time she hated me.”

“I’m glad that’s changed.”

“Me, too.”

Together, they strolled further into the room, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous empty space.

“Well, this is certainly large enough, but I think it’s a bit over the top to use as a playroom again. Don’t you?” Joanna said, glancing at Evelyn.

“Probably,” Evelyn said, looking up at the intricate ceiling and chandeliers. “But it’s a thought.”

As Joanna turned to leave, she noticed a stack of boxes neatly tucked into an alcove near the wall that held the fireplace. “What’s in those?”