"Nay, I will do it. If she does not understand how her reputation will be ruined, she will not ask you the right questions. Order the carriage for me. I will talk to Sassy and then go see Abigail." With that, McKenna left the room as abruptly as she came.
*
"What?" Sassy asked, rising up out of the rocking chair. "Mr. Hannish carried me up to bed because I was hurt. You remember, you were there!"
"Of course I remember, but Charlotte neglected to explain that part. She let them think you…I mean he…"
Sassy's eyes widened. "He bedded me? Miss McKenna, he loves his wife. I saw how he kissed her when he sent her away."
McKenna took a deep breath. "Sassy, you and I both know nothing happened. That is not the problem. The problem is, others…the whole town in fact, believes otherwise."
"Then tell the whole town the truth."
"Sit down, Sassy, and calm yourself. It is precisely what I intend to do, but not without your permission."
She had not realized she was standing up, went back to the rocking chair, sat down and folded her hands in her lap. "I am listening."
"I must tell them you are the one Olivia hurt."
Sassy stared at the floor for a long moment. "Mr. Hannish said not to tell what happens here."
"I know, but this once he has given his permission. Sassy, once they know more about you, they will not listen to Charlotte's lies. Is there anything you wish to keep secret?"
"I am who I am, and what happened, happened. I see no reason to hide anything, do you?"
"I do not."
"Tell them Miss McKenna and tell them Mr. Hannish would never do such a thing. He loves his wife still."
After Sassy was gone, McKenna closed her eyes. Twice, Sassy said Hannish loves his wife, as though she needed to remind herself. It was too late, Sassy was already in love and she suspected her brother was too.
Abigail clung to every word as McKenna sipped tea in Abigail's sitting room, with its yellow floral print wallpaper and white drapes. She explained how she found Sassy in a broom closet on the ship, and described the miserable condition she was in. "…and Sassy was so excited to take a bath in clean water. In the orphanage, the younger children are bathed first and the older ones get the dirty water. At first, she would not let me see her naked, but I finally coaxed her into taking off the filthy rags I found her in. She has hideous scars, Abigail, from beatings in the orphanage."