She began cooperating with the auditors and surrendered administrative authority over family correspondence and several charitable entities.

Her cooperation did not erase what she had done.

It did, however, prevent further concealment.

Months later, Savannah agreed that Eleanor could send a holiday card through her attorney.

There were no expensive gifts.

No photographs released for Mercer publicity.

No announcement about heirs returning to the fold.

Eleanor wrote a simple message about hoping the children were warm and happy that winter.