Chapter 3 - Clara’s Mother Was Eleanor Hartwell
Daniel knew Eleanor Hartwell as his father’s younger sister.
Aunt Eleanor.
She had died when Daniel was six.
At least, that was what he had always been told.
Clara had been raised believing her mother was Diane Mercer, Margaret’s
youngest daughter.
Diane died when Clara was twelve.
Vanessa was Diane’s biological daughter.
That was why everyone called Clara and Vanessa half-sisters.
But the trust document suggested something else.
Eleanor Hartwell had created a private custodial account for an infant
identified only as C.M.
Clara Mercer.
Daniel stared at her.
“You’re my cousin?”
Clara shook her head.
“I don’t know.”
That was important.
The document was evidence, not proof of parentage.
Margaret explained that Eleanor and Diane had been best friends.
When Eleanor became pregnant, she refused to name the father.
The Hartwell family considered the pregnancy a scandal.
Daniel’s grandfather threatened to cut Eleanor off.
Diane offered to help.
Then Eleanor disappeared shortly after giving birth.
Diane returned home with a baby.
Clara.
Everyone was told Diane had given birth privately.
Margaret knew that was false.
“You knew?” Vanessa asked.
Margaret looked at her.
“Yes.”
Vanessa stood.
“All these years?”
“Yes.”
“And you said nothing?”
“I made a promise to Eleanor.”
Clara’s eyes filled.
“So did Mom know?”
“Diane knew everything.”
Clara sat down.
The woman she called Mom had truly raised her.
That did not become less real.
But almost everything Clara knew about her birth had changed in one
sentence.
Daniel asked:
“Why is this coming out today?”
May you like
Margaret looked at Vanessa.
“Because your bride found the same trust document six months ago.”
