Caitlin stormed into Mrs. Carrington's house and boldly stared at the woman.
"Hello, sweets. How are," she stopped upon seeing the journal. "Oh boy." Her hand went to her throat as she sighed.
"Is it true?" she said her voice cold as her fiery eyes glared at the woman.
"Is what true?" she said, fanning herself with the lace-edged handkerchief she kept tucked in her shirtsleeve. "Emmaline wrote everything in here. Do you want to read it?" Caitlin thrust the book at the older woman, anger causing her hands to shake.
"I don't have to," she said with resignation. Mrs. Carrington closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "Please sit." When Caitlin refused to budge, she said, "Please, Caitlin. Let me explain."
Rachel took a deep breath as she sank into her chair. She twisted and untwisted the lace handkerchief. "Yes, my daughter Rebecca is your mother, making me your grandmother."
"But."
"Please, no interruptions. I have been waiting for today for years." Rachel laced her hands together and rested them on her lips, almost as if she were praying. Caitlin noticed the fear and excitement in Mrs. C's eyes and wondered if hers looked the same.
As she sat on the edge of her seat, she gripped on tight wondering what she would learn about her mom. For years, thoughts about her mom had been kept hidden in the dark recesses of her mind. Now a light had entered bringing freedom and energy.
"Rebecca was a free spirit, a dreamer," Rachel said. "She did not want to stay in Valley View unlike her older brother Billy. She loved the 60's, the freethinking and comfortable clothes. I loved her despite her ways. She and your daddy dated in high school and I liked and admired him. He was clean cut, hard working, very idealistic. He wanted to stay here and help your granddaddy run the ranch.
"After Rebecca and Jonathan married, your mother left. She didn't go far-Richmond. The day you left for Richmond after college graduation, it was like watching your mother, my daughter, leave again. Though you take after the Chadwick's, you do have some of your mother in you." Rachel shook her head. "Back to the story. Jonathan found her and brought her home. A year later you were born. I guess in some ways your mother felt stuck, but she never stopped dreaming about travel and seeing new places.
"When Marshall discussed traveling to horse shows, your mother perked up, begging to go. You were left in Emmaline's care, which she adored. I know she never believed Rebecca was a good mother. Maybe my daughter wasn't the best or perfect mother, but she loved you with her whole being. I saw it when she held you, fed you, and sang you lullabies.