For two days, Linsey wrestled with the guilt and shame of her behavior. She thanked her lucky stars that Caroline’s recuperation prevented her from returning home, for she didn’t think she could bring herself to look Addie in the eye—not after what she had done. Then Axel Goodwin got back from Houston, and Linsey could put off facing her sister no longer. When she entered Briar House late Tuesday afternoon, a wave of relief rolled off her shoulders at finding the house empty. She headed upstairs and set down the valise Aunt Louisa had sent over yesterday morning, then lowered herself onto the bed. If only she could talk to Addie—ask her to help make sense of these confusing feelings Daniel stirred inside her. But what could she say? “Addie, I kissed the man you love, and now I can’t stop thinking about him?” It would break her heart. No, she thought with a despairing sigh, no matter that she and Addie had always told each other everything, this would be one secret Linsey took with her to her grave.
