Chapter 76
The next morning, Camilla finally got a message from the private investigator about Barnard. He had stayed at Davina’s little house all night and never once came out. The curtains were closed tight, and no one could say for sure what happened inside. All anyone knew was that at sunrise, Barnard packed up Davina’s belongings and brought her back with him to Saddlebrook Estates.
It didn’t take long for Calvin to hear the news. He went straight over to Saddlebrook Estates to confront Barnard himself. But it all played out as expected. Barnard defended Davina, more determined than ever. Calvin left, frustrated and empty-handed.
That afternoon, Laura came to visit the hospital. When she saw Camilla, Laura looked uneasy. She opened her mouth to speak more than once but ended up saying nothing.
Camilla broke the ice. “Mom, you’re here to talk about Davina moving back to Saddlebrook Estates, aren’t you p>
Laura nodded, then gave a small, guilty sigh. “Camilla, try not to get upset. Barnard’s just confused, that’s all. I’ll talk to him once I get home. I’m sure it won’t take long for him to figure things out and send her away. We all saw how sure he was when he married you. His feelings for you were never in doubt. Just promise me you won’t do anything rash over this… It’s really not worth it, is it p>
“Mom, you don’t have to worry about me. I’ve already moved out,” Camilla replied calmly.
Laura nodded again. “I know, Barnard mentioned it… You did it so it’s easier for Jasper to go to school, right? But Camilla, Saddlebrook Estates is your home. Your father would never let that woman live there permanently. We’ll make sure you get a proper answer. I just didn’t want you sitting here, worried by yourself, so I came to keep you company p>
Keep me company, Camilla thought. More like checking to see how I’m handling it.
Calvin always worried about the Carter family’s reputation. Right now, his biggest fear was that Camilla would blow up and do something unpredictable.
She looked at Laura. “Mom, I can let some things slide, but you saw what she’s been up to. Now Barnard’s arranged for Daisy and Jasper to go to the same preschool. Jasper will have to go back when he’s feeling better, and honestly, I can’t stand the idea of him being around them again p>
Laura was quick to agree. “You’re right. I’ll call your dad right away. I’ll ask him to step in and get that girl out of the preschool p>
She sat next to Camilla, still trying to comfort her, but Camilla just nodded and let the conversation drift.
Time passed. Laura showed no sign of wanting to leave. Not until Susan came back, her voice floating in from the entrance. “Elise, you’re here! Why not come in p>
Camilla’s mind went blank for a second. She looked up and saw the hospital room door swing open, Susan standing there next to Elise.
Elise seemed caught off guard, her eyes darting away when she met Camilla’s gaze.
Camilla realized Elise must’ve overheard everything she and Laura had just said. Laura looked embarrassed too, but managed a nervous smile and a quick hello.
Susan tried to smooth things over. “Laura, are you staying for dinner p>
Laura shook her head. “No, just came to check on Camilla. Looks like everything’s under control, so I’ll head back. Camilla, if you need anything, call me p>
Camilla had been married to Barnard for years, but Laura and Elise had barely exchanged more than a few polite greetings. Elise had spent so much time in the hospital, and Camilla’s background just never quite matched up with the Carters. Laura only really acknowledged Elise if they ran into each other by chance. They seemed more like strangers than family.
With everything that had just happened, Laura seemed even less comfortable around Elise. It was easier to leave than linger in the awkwardness.
Once Laura was gone, Camilla turned to Elise. “Mom, how long were you standing out there? If you came, why didn’t you come in p>
Elise looked stiff, her gaze lingering on Camilla for a long moment, but she said nothing.
Camilla tried again. “Since you’re here, stay for dinner with Jasper. He’s been thinking about you all day p>
She acted like nothing was wrong, calmly spooning soup into bowls for Jasper and Elise.
Elise kept her head down as they ate. When the meal was almost over, she finally stood up. “Camilla, can you come outside with me for a minute p>
Camilla left Jasper with Susan and followed Elise out into the empty hallway. The door clicked shut behind them, and the quiet was almost heavy, the only sounds their own breathing.
After a pause, Elise spoke. “Camilla, is there really something going on between Barnard and that nanny? Are you two p>
Camilla took a breath. “I wish I didn’t have to believe it either, but you heard what Laura said. If there was nothing going on, the Carter family wouldn’t be here, trying to smooth things over with me. Mom, I’ve decided to get a divorce. I hope you’ll support me p>