With her head up, she enjoyed their praise, like she was already a billionaire’s wife. Her stomach was clearly round; she was already more than six months pregnant.
My mother-in-law hurried over too, warmly greeting her daughter and son-in-law, asking if she was tired and telling the servants to serve Hudson tea.
From start to finish, Hudson stayed calm and polite, his face showing no emotion at all.
Many times, I’ve asked myself this. Hudson, the richest man in the country, had married into the Leighton Family only to repay the favor of having his life saved.
But now that the debt was already cleared. Women wanting to marry him or have his child could line up across Nashville. So why, ignoring all the gossip, did he insist on being with his married sister-in-law?
While I was lost in thought, fireworks suddenly lit up the sky and the host’s loud voice filled the hall.
“Today is a day of celebration. Thank you all for coming to wish Ma’am Hannah a happy birthday.”
“Now, let’s welcome her daughter and son-in-law to come forward and give their blessings, wishing for her health and long life.”
As soon as those words were said, Raline smiled, held Hudson’s arm and stepped up to the stage.