Story Nine

 The three older Gibson brothers appointed themselves both the local rule makers and the local rule enforcers. 

They believed they had cultivated a fearful respect in the community which encouraged their arrogance and brutality. 

When they decided to take ownership of the county road that bisected their fields,
several local men stood up to them. 

The ensuing tragedy scarred the entire town, causing divisions that lasted for generations. 

The county road remained open to all.

Story Eight

After her older sister, Imogen, left for America without a word, 

Shona had a fleeting thought that her parents would treat her more lovingly; 

instead, she became the sole target for their simmering anger.  

She began to take walks to the River Boyne where she could lose herself,  

becoming hypnotized by the seductive currents.

Story Seven

The one person who never appeared bothered by Leonard’s stutter was his boss, Mr. Ott. 

After years of being the family disappointment, Leonard was able to flourish, 

proving himself to be a gifted mechanic. 

He eventually took over the Ott business and took secret pleasure in knowing that he was far more successful than his three brothers.

Story Six

As adults, they would both continue to get nervous when the yelling began, 

but Emily never lost confidence 

that her older sister would protect her from even the most damaging words.

Story Five

Scarlet fever claimed her son, Henry, when he was only 10 months old, 

leaving her in a fog of grief. 

In the gloaming, she would sometimes hear his bubbling laughter, 
but the sound was gradually evaporating with each passing season.  

She feared that his spirit was traveling to a place 

that would forever be just beyond her grasp.

Story Four

She smirked when she saw him staring at her house as he frequently did since being humiliated by her caustic rebuff. 

She knew he was attempting to intimidate her, 

but he was the one who should be cautious. 

If he had known the reason why she arrived in town that summer, 

he never would have chosen to provoke her.

Story Three

It had seemed like a good idea to remove the vines from their beloved home, 

but so many faults were now shamefully visible. 

The charm disappeared and bitterness filled the void as they became more aware of each other’s shortcomings. 

They were divorced before year’s end.

Story Two

Imogen’s family thought she had been saving money for a marriage to Redmund, 

the local pharmacist, 

but she instead bought a ticket to cross the Atlantic Ocean. 

She would send a note back to Carbury once she arrived in New York.

Story One

This was not the daughter-in-law she had prayed for. 

This one would neglect her granddaughter and eventually kill her hydrangeas.