Chapter 25
After leaving Lauren's room, Mrs. Bennett called her sister, Lydia.
Hearing her sister's news, Lydia exclaimed, "How could you say that to Lauren? It will only make her dislike you and Sally even more."
"So what should I do now?" Mrs. Bennett was anxious, remembering how Sally had held Sandy's hand even during her coma. Sally and Sandy had been close since childhood, over ten years. Everyone expected them to marry, but then Lauren appeared.
At yesterday's banquet, Sally's serious gaze at Lauren had worried both women. It was clearly a sign of romantic interest.
If not for Sandy's obvious behavior and Sally's fainting, Mrs. Bennett wouldn't have confronted Lauren, urging her to stay away.
"Tiffany," Lydia interrupted, "I need to ask you something."
Mrs. Bennett, sensing her sister's serious tone, nervously asked, "What is it?"
"Be honest," Lydia said sternly. "Did you have lunch with my husband a month and a half ago?"
"Yes," Mrs. Bennett admitted. "It was a chance meeting."
"Why didn't you maintain distance? Don't you know he's your sister's husband?"
"What are you talking about? That's absurd!" Mrs. Bennett retorted, anger rising. "How could you think that of me? I'm your sister!" Her chest heaved, her eyes welling up.
"Since you know this," Lydia sneered, "you should understand how Lauren felt when you spoke to her. She did nothing to deserve your blame."
Mrs. Bennett's realization dawned. "I I didn't mean to hurt her."
"Of course you didn't," Lydia conceded. "But you cared so much about Sally that you ignored Lauren's feelings. Your heart was full of Sally, leaving no room for Lauren. You criticized Lauren without evidence. She must be very disappointed."
Silence followed before Mrs. Bennett confessed, "I I just forgot." She had forgotten to consider Lauren's feelings as her mother.
Lydia sighed. "Don't be too hard on yourself. Lauren was lost for eighteen years; adjusting to her return will take time."
"No, it's my fault," Mrs. Bennett insisted. "But I hope Lauren won't hate Sally. After all, Lauren deserves to be happy in the Bennett family."