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“So, you’re still a good girl?”

Elsa nodded, unable to say the lie aloud

Maer moved down, touched Elsa’s chin, tilted her face up She studied Elsa, slowly frowning, assessing “A pretty dress doesn’t make one pretty, dear”

“I just wanted—”

“We won’t speak of it, and nothing like it will ever happen again”

Mah no wrinkles had formed or would dare to Distance spread between theeable, Elsinore, even with all ourNo man of note wants an unattractive ho loo who could overlook your weaknesses, certainly he would not dismiss a tarnished reputation Learn to be happy with real life Throay your silly romantic novels”

Mama took the red silk dress on her way out

THREE

In the years since the Great War, patriotis wheat prices, gave everyone a reason to celebrate the Fourth of July In town, store s advertised Independence Day sales and bells clanged merrily as folks went in and out of theup on food and drink for the festivities

Usually Elsa looked forward to the celebration, but the past feeeks had been difficult Since her night with Rafe, Elsa had felt caged Restless Unhappy

Not that anyone in her fah at her to see the difference Instead of voicing her discontent, she buried it and went on It was all she knew to do

She kept her head down and pretended nothing had changed She stayed in her bedrooed heat of summer She had books delivered from the library—suitable books—and read them from cover to cover She embroidered dish towels and pillowcases At supper, she listened to her parents’ conversation and nodded when she needed to At church, she wore a cloche over her scandalously short hair and made the excuse that she didn’t feel well and was left alone

On the few instances when she dared to look up from a beloved book and stare out the , she saw the e out to the flat horizon and beyond

Accept

The bruise on her jaw had faded No one—not even her sisters—had remarked upon it Life returned to normal at the Wolcott house