I was not in the room for all of it.

Hannah chose when she wanted me beside her and when she wanted to speak without watching my face.

That hurt in a way I had not expected.

Then I thought about how often she had been required to explain herself with Victoria watching, or Julian finishing a sentence before she could say it.

I waited outside.

When she was ready to tell me more, she began with the dining room.

Victoria had planned an event.