In the evening, at West Hill Villa, Susanna Smith sat on the swing in the courtyard, tilting her head up slightly to gaze at the sun that was sinking lower and lower in the west, the light in her pupils somewhat scattered.
Ever since she learned that Phoebe Smith's ectopic pregnancy wasn't caused by Joseph Thompson, she had almost completely given up on her dream of ever returning to reign as the hostess of Thompson Manor, for that had been her wish—to be the hostess of Thompson Manor for a lifetime.
Now, with her dream shattered and life devoid of purpose, Susanna Smith was steeped in worry, feeling as if each day was as long as a year.
Inside the house, Phoebe Smith's shrill voice could be heard: "Get lost, I told you to get lost, can't you hear? I can walk on my own, I don't need your help!"
