The morning following his father’s death, Edwina arrived. After a bit of searching, he located the letter for her he’d misplaced, then held her while she cried. Mother had also been in need of consoling. He hadn’t realized how true his father’s words were about everyone depending on him until, one by one, the family and staff turned to him looking for advice, directives, or just a beam of support. Everyone but Caroline. With her, it had been the other way around. She gave him time alone to adjust to life without his father, but when he sought her out, she always accepted him with open arms and a warm heart. She held him in her arms and made no demands. She listened to his past stories and his current struggles. Never pointing out the mistakes he’d made or condemning him for his choices. At night, he enjoyed the solitude of the library before going upstairs where she had a warm bath waiting. Even for as tired as she had to be, she sat by his tub and talked to him or rub his shoulders, many times going so far as to surprise him by grabbing the soap and bringing him to completion, never expecting anything in return.
