About this story
Mother, the Blake family is arriving tomorrow, and we must decide how much of their society suits this house. You step into this one-chapter preview with Audrey Ross at the center, where choices turn on the people, promises, and pressure already in the room. The Gray Cottage waited across the road, and Woodcote's old order had begun to shift around a woman it had not expected to welcome. The chapter closes on a continuation question rather than resolving the novel's larger arc.
How it opens
Everyone in Rutherford knew that Geraldine Ross ruled Woodcote, though her calm manners made command look like considerate advice.
Geraldine RossMother, the Blake family is arriving tomorrow, and we must decide how much of their society suits this house.
Mrs Ross set down her knitting, already wondering what Geraldine would think of every possible answer.
We have not met the Blakes yet, so perhaps their conduct should come before the verdict.
Michael BurnettA family can be judged by a rumour only when a household has decided that curiosity is a virtue.
Choose
Ask what the Blakes have actually done.
Let mother decide without family pressure.
Ask Michael what he has heard.