we didn't kill her or anything. We did what we had to
do to protect you. What difference does it make where
she rests in peace or who knows?"
I nodded, but my chest felt so full, so heavy
with the guilt I wanted to believe would go away. "It's a beautiful letter. I agree with what she
said about love. Don't stop reading. There's more, isn't
there?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes," I said. I looked at it again and continued. "I think I can actually pinpoint when you were
conceived. It was on a rainy Friday. Franklin was out
of town on business and your father came to the
house. Shall I tell you now who he is? My fingers
tremble with the pen in hand. Will I cause more
trouble, hurt more people? Do you have a right to
know? Of course you do. Whatever happens as a
result is my fault only Never never blame yourself for
anything.
"Your father was Franklin's much younger
brother Alden. He was actually only five years older
than Geraldine. Does that make it sound like I robbed
the cradle? I hope not. The truth is Alden was
emotionally wiser and older than most of his
contemporaries, although he was a disappointment to
his parents and especially to Franklin, who was the
hardest on him--even before he knew Alden and 1 had
become lovers. Alden didn't want to be confined to a
business career His love was music, composing. He
played the piano beautifully and many a night, he
performed only for me.
"In college he majored in music, and won many
awards. He earned a small living tutoring, giving