Chapter 19: How Strange

"I hope not," Maria said. "But his family has a certain reputation. He seems nice enough, but the rest of the family can be pretty fierce. You need to watch your back with them."

"I appreciate the warning," she said. "But I've dealt with Uncle Lawson, and I can deal with them."

Maria sighed, "Your uncle is an ambitious and unscrupulous man, and you're not his match. You may have your new husband on your side, but I wouldn't count on his support in everything—who knows what his family is pressuring him to do."

Maria paused and took Catherine's hands in hers. Catherine couldn't help but notice that the once soft, elegant hands had become coarse and callused.

"Just promise me you won't do anything foolish or sudden," Maria said. "And if anything happens, talk to me first."

"I promise I'll get back everything Uncle Lawson has taken from you," Catherine said.