“Wedding stress makes a person forget the flowers or arrive late, ma’am,” Patricia said.

“It does not drive a grown woman to lock a child behind a door.” Brenda rounded on her, accusing her of having tried to sabotage the relationship from the first day, but it did not matter anymore; the truth was out in the open air, and no accusation could put it back.

The coordinator quietly began dismissing the catering staff, and the guests rose in small silent groups and gathered their things, and a few kind friends came to give Hannah a gentle pat on the shoulder while Patricia gently kept anyone from asking her hard questions.

Brenda followed me inside the lodge as I went to collect our bags.