Confused, Gwen gestured toward Elizabeth. “She’s handling the estate now,” she said, voice measured. The men thanked her and walked toward Elizabeth. Gwen turned back toward a waiting guest and continued her quiet nods and half-smiles, trying not to let her confusion distract her from the moment.
She was hugging Albert’s second cousin goodbye when it happened—a sharp, guttural scream from the other side of the church. Heads turned. Gwen whipped around. Elizabeth stood near the pews, clutching a document. Her eyes were wide, hands trembling, and her breathing fast, shallow. She looked as if she’d seen a ghost.