Elizabeth was clearly in a daze, lost in her own world, and didn’t even greet her sister-in-law.
If it weren’t for the bandage still on Scarlett’s forehead, Amanda might have thought it was Elizabeth who had hit her head, given her blank, unresponsive expression. Setting aside her thoughts, Amanda quickly put her son, Michael, on the bed and helped William move the luggage.
William muttered under his breath, cursing the Whitaker family as a bunch of big idiots while briefly recounting the events. He explained how the three of them had decided to leave, only to run into Chris and his two brothers coming home, which led to quite a bit of fighting and kicking before they finally left Larkspur Village.
“You should clean up the empty room for Scarlett and her mother to stay in,” William instructed.
His intent was clear: Scarlett and Elizabeth would stay at his house and not return to the Whitaker family to endure further mistreatment.
However, he didn’t specify how long they would stay. Scarlett, understanding social nuances well, quickly reassured Amanda: “I’m planning to start a small business, save up some money, and settle down in the county. Greenfield County has more opportunities and also stops people in the village from gossiping.”
She had no intention of permanently staying at her uncle’s house.
William’s willingness to take them in was genuine, but Scarlett understood that Amanda might not be as tolerant. Scarlett was mature for her age, but she knew that living with relatives for too long would inevitably lead to friction. Since her stay was only temporary, she wasn’t afraid to explain herself to put Amanda at ease.
William also picked up on Scarlett’s subtext.
He didn’t argue, but he thought to himself that Scarlett would likely find the outside world far less optimistic than she imagined. Young people always seemed fearless, believing the world beyond their doorstep to be simple. Sure, some people had made money doing business in recent years, but could Scarlett handle the hardships?
Under the light, Scarlett noticed that Amanda’s smile became much more genuine.
“You silly girl, we’re family—there’s no need for formalities! If your uncle says you and your mother can stay, then you should stay and rest easy!”
Amanda’s generosity was largely due to William’s recent success in earning money.
For now, adding two more mouths to feed wasn’t a strain on their resources.
Amanda quickly tidied up the room. People back then weren’t particular; a bed of straw covered with a mat was far better than the old, dilapidated conditions at the Whitaker house. Scarlett and Elizabeth, having been driven out of the Whitaker family the previous day and spent both the night and day on the road, were genuinely exhausted.
After washing up, the mother and daughter lay down on the bed. Scarlett patted Elizabeth’s hand and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll make sure you live a good life. We’ll both live well and show everyone what we’re capable of!”
After a long pause, Scarlett thought her mother had fallen asleep, but Elizabeth slowly replied:
“All I want is for you to live well. Scarlett, don’t blame me. I’ve let you suffer…”
Scarlett offered a few comforting words, though she knew that any verbal promises before achieving tangible results felt a bit hollow. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, she fell asleep while still talking.
The next morning, Scarlett woke to the smell of food.
Elizabeth had gotten up early and taken it upon herself to handle the kitchen work. Scarlett’s little cousin, Michael, seemed to be in good spirits, buzzing around the kitchen while Elizabeth worked. Elizabeth pulled a steamed bun out of the basket and handed it to him. It was so hot that Michael winced and grimaced but refused to spit it out, instead mumbling compliments:
Aunt’s steamed buns are better than my mom’s!”
