Chapter 24

“I believe I have told you time and again to watch your behavior. Your very existence is a great stain upon this family.” “I have never behaved wrongly,” Merdi managed to choke out, her voice tight with suppression. She couldn’t claim to be perfect, but she knew with certainty that she had done nothing to deserve such condemnation. In every crisis, she had always chosen the path of quiet retreat. It was the only defense she could muster. “Then why do you suppose the Melvitch family sent this letter?”