“He found a letter from you to Beth Ann.”

Her face paled a fraction. “Did he?”

“He knows the truth.”

Edna stared at her. “What truth?”

“That Beth Ann and I are your daughters.”

“Did he say anything else?”

Carlotta’s eyes narrowed. “Like what?”

“Never mind.”

“How did he meet Beth Ann?”

“Here at the resort. You know she worked here a summer. He was vacationing here and fell for her or maybe her beauty. They were married the next summer.”

“She was selling her orphan story then.”

“Yes. And I let her.”

“Does Jake know?”

“Yes. He knows it all.” She regarded Carlotta’s bruised cheek. “I can call the sheriff. He owes me and will listen to any complaints I file.”

“You would stand up for me?” Carlotta asked.

“Of course.” Edna’s tone warmed the words. “I ran from my girls once,” she said, softly. “I’ll never do it again.”

Carlotta willed her eyes to remain dry. For once, the weight on her shoulders eased. “Beth Ann likes being a Manchester and won’t give it up.”

“That is her choice.”

“I would like to finish the week.”

“I know the guests and especially Ruth like having you here.”

The idea of disappointing Ruth meant more than she expected. “I won’t be run off by him.”

“No, I wouldn’t expect that you would.” Edna set her cup on the counter and fished a bottle of aspirin from her pocket. “These will help with the pain and swelling.”

Carlotta took the bottle. “Thank you.”

“If you find you need to see a doctor, tell me. I’ll make a call. He owes me.”

“Who doesn’t owe you on this island?”

“No one.” As Edna moved toward the door, she paused. “Henry is leaving this evening. He’s gotten work on a fishing boat, and the pay is too good to pass up. He’s a sweet, gentle man, but he has a temper. He wouldn’t like knowing Peter Manchester hit you.”

Carlotta felt color warming her cheeks. She had nothing to be embarrassed about, but she was slightly with Edna. “Henry and I are friends.”

“That is the sense I got. I saw him coming from this cottage a few nights ago, and the next day the man couldn’t stop grinning.”

Knowing she’d put a smile on his face pleased her. “I try to be discreet.”

Edna crossed to the door and paused with her hand on the knob. “You were. Because I don’t sleep much, not much gets past me here.”