Kathleen Rose had just legally corrected her family name back to Rowe.
Using the clues Kate left behind, Kathy was able to verify most of what her estranged daughter had said before her severance. As curator of town records, Kathy’s case was well within her control.
But the change hardly reflected closure when so many questions remained.
Did Kathy’s mother Lila really have an affair with Caroline Murphy? That thought haunted her the most, corrupting all aspects of the once angelic presence of her mother’s memory. How could Kate not feel like a dirty science experiment if the rumours were true? Why was Kate celebrating the absurd idea? Did no one else feel repulsed by the incestuous overlap between the Rose-Murphy families?
So, if “Rose” was indeed Lila Roberts’ idea, then Kathleen Rowe decidedly didn’t want any part of it.
Besides, “Rowe” was honest and represented a clan of humble countrymen. She dreamed about becoming one of them several times in the days following the loss of her motherhood.
Her first decision as Kathy Rowe was to inform her shrinking surviving family about the change. Namely, her sister Vivian.
“Wait, so, if you’re taking Dad’s name then I’ll be using Mom’s name? Kate too?”
With impressive calm eyeing her bare ring finger, the elder sister replied, “Catherine is an adult now, she can decide for herself what namesake best suits her current feelings.”
The younger sister pleaded, “Was this really necessary? You’ve always been a Rose.”
“Far from it,” Kathy snorted. “I chose Mom once before, but I’m not—her. I don’t know why I ever let you talk me into your ridiculous idea when we both know I was always meant to be taking after Dad. Before Reginald III, I don’t know if I even needed to be a mother in the first place. The whole ordeal is quite over now.”
“Well. You’ll tell her for me, won’t you? I’d hate to miss the Christmas card she won’t send.”
“Hey, do you remember what Mom used to say? ‘If you don’t like something, change it.’ Call Kate. Fix this.”
“I don’t want to hear about Lila Rose anymore; I am Kathleen Rowe now, it’s done.”
Vivian sighed. “Okay, fine. I’ll tell Kate for you.”
