Chapter 21

Five days after her mother’s death, Mabel is discharged from hospital. A nurse’s announcement that her “mother” arrived momentarily sparks denial before Cess clarifies it is Mabel’s aunt. On the drive to Rosehill, Cess gives Mabel a Mass booklet and notes Mabel’s father has left for London. At the doorstep, Mabel cannot enter; Cess waits with her in silence until Ness arrives and hugs them both, prompting Mabel’s first tears.

Ness becomes a near-constant presence, buoying the home with chatter, music, and small domestic comforts that keep Mabel breathing through grief. Her gentle activity restores a sense of life to the house bereft of Mabel’s mother.

In the kitchen, Cess vents contempt for Mabel’s father. When Mabel reveals she knows about Kitty, Cess corrects the narrative: no one knows where Kitty contracted polio, and it was never Mabel’s fault. Cess admits everyone blamed themselves and refuses to let Mabel carry that burden.

Cess further explains that Mabel’s father loved Kitty because she reflected traits he valued, while Mabel’s curious, challenging nature intimidated him. She tells Mabel she was always more interesting, suggesting his hostility stemmed from insecurity. This reframing grants Mabel a measure of self-forgiveness.

After this conversation, the bond between Cess and Mabel subtly strengthens. Though both remain mired in grief, they share looks of mutual understanding as Ness sustains them, and Mabel no longer feels entirely alone.