Chapter 6: Goodbyes, Promises, and Starting Over

My maid wasn’t up to the task, so I asked Mom for Aunt Ruth to help Lily with arrangements.

Aunt Ruth nodded, eyes kind. She took charge, organizing everything with the calm of someone who’s seen plenty of sorrow. I was grateful for her steady presence, for the way she made hard things seem possible.

Once Lily was taken care of, I went back with Mom to the Jennings house. Before we left, we asked Mrs. Jennings to keep an eye on Lily, never expecting things would move so quickly.

Mrs. Jennings promised to look after Lily, her voice warm and sure. I felt lighter, knowing Lily wasn’t alone. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that life was moving too fast to keep up.

Mrs. Jennings’s husband was the county clerk, so getting information only took about an hour. Just as we were about to eat, her maid brought news.

The maid’s voice was hushed, eyes full of pity. She set the table quietly, her words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. I put down my fork, bracing for what was coming.

“Such a pity. The girl’s from the border region. Came here to treat her mama’s illness, spent all their money, but her mama still passed two days ago. Where they’re from, the dead must be buried within ten days or their souls can’t rest, or so the old folks say. But because that Mason creep was causing trouble, she couldn’t even buy a burial plot, even with cash in hand. That’s why she was so desperate to sell herself—hoping her good looks would bring someone who could deal with Mason.”

The words stung, sharper than I expected. I thought of Lily, alone in a strange city, fighting for dignity that always seemed just out of reach. I wanted to do more, but I knew some wounds take time.

She looked at me, a little worried. “Folks also found out that Mason seems to have some connection to Miss Carter’s fiancé.”

Her gaze was careful, like she was afraid to say too much. My stomach twisted, old fears bubbling up. The web of secrets just kept getting tighter.

We were all smart enough to know what that meant, so Mrs. Jennings excused herself with tact. Before leaving, she patted my mom’s hand. “My friend, our daughters will have no trouble finding good husbands. No need to get upset over riffraff. If you need help, just say the word.”

Her words were a balm, a reminder we weren’t alone. Mom squeezed her hand, the two women sharing a silent understanding. In the South, friendships like theirs are worth more than gold.

She was Mom’s most trusted friend; otherwise, we’d never have asked her for help with something so private. Mom thought for a moment, then whispered a few words in her ear.

I watched them, grateful for their quiet strength. Sometimes, it takes a village to set things right. I knew Mom would do whatever it took to protect me—and, in her way, to protect Lily too.

Knowing Lily was from the border region, I went to light a candle for her mama. In the living room, Lily still looked unwell, but her eyes lit up when she saw me. “Miss Carter, has my mama’s burial place been arranged?”

I nodded. “Since you’re from the border region, I’ll hire a driver to take you home, so your mama can rest where she belongs.”

Her relief was obvious, her shoulders sagging. For the first time, I saw hope in her eyes. I smiled, wanting her to know she wasn’t alone anymore.

She stared at me, almost not believing. “Is that possible? My mama must be buried within ten days, but our home is a thousand miles from here…”

Her voice shook, caught between hope and fear. I squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her the only way I knew.

“It’s possible. I’ve hired the best folks. You’ll be home in five days.”

I spoke with all the confidence I could muster. Sometimes, faith is all you can offer. I wanted her to believe better days were coming.

I handed her another envelope of cash. “If you want to stay in your hometown, use this to start over. If you still want to come find me, consider this your stake. In the Carter house, we only take in people who give us their whole hearts.”

The envelope was heavy, but the meaning behind it was heavier still. I watched her weigh the choice, her eyes searching mine for any sign of a trick. I hoped she saw nothing but honesty.

She looked at me, eyes shining. “Miss Carter—no, ma’am—I will come to you.”

Her words were soft, but full of promise. I smiled, feeling warmth spread through me. Maybe, just maybe, we could both start over.

I pointed to Aunt Ruth. “There’s no rush. This is a big decision—working for me or staying free are two very different lives. Aunt Ruth will go with you. Whatever you decide, just let her know.”

Aunt Ruth nodded, her face gentle. I wanted Lily to know she had choices, that her life was hers to shape. Sometimes, freedom is the best thing you can give.

The next day, she went home, and I went back to the city. Whether we’d meet again, who could say?

The train ride back was quiet, scenery blurring past the window. I thought of Lily, the road ahead, all the women before me. I wondered what kind of legacy I wanted to leave.

Mom looked at me with pride. “My Emma’s grown up. Now you know—even kindness has its limits, and you have to decide if someone’s worth it.”

Her praise was soft, but it meant everything. I felt a new confidence blooming inside, a sense of purpose I’d never known. Maybe this was what it meant to become a woman in the South—not just to survive, but to thrive.

I smiled quietly. That was my test for Lily Ramirez.

I thought of her face, the hope in her eyes. I knew I’d made the right choice, even if the future was uncertain. Sometimes, you just have to trust your heart and hope for the best.

I can do a good deed without expecting anything back, but if the person I help accepts it too easily, I’ll only help her once. If she lets herself get tangled up with Carter Ellison again, that’s not my problem.

It was a hard lesson, but one I needed. Kindness is a gift, but it’s also a responsibility. I hoped Lily would choose wisely, for both our sakes.