You have to understand, dear — the Ravenels haven’t had a male heir in three generations.

Do try not to take the inheritance business, or the birth-certificate business, to heart.”

I sipped the broth a nurse had brought me.

It tasted of salt and nothing.

“I understand perfectly,” I said.

She let out a small, satisfied breath, certain she had smoothed the whole ugly matter over, certain I was the reasonable, biddable daughter-in-law she had always taken me for.

She patted my blanketed foot on her way out.