Chapter 18
Following her conversation with Ann Pargeter, a tearful and very humbled Kitty made her confession to Miss Berystede. The elderly lady, so regal in appearance with her snowy hair and erect bearing, received the news with her customary composure. "This is quite a revelation, Catherine. You must permit me some time to consider it."
Kitty, overcome with shame in addition to her distress over Jemima, made no protest. She was sure that Miss Berystede must send her away in disgrace. After handing Miss Berystede the note of thanks that Jemima had included in her letter to Kitty, she went to pack her things.
When she had gone from the room, Miss Berystede was silent for a while, before startling Ann Pargeter with a chuckle. "I cannot help but feel, Ann, that the shock of discovery ha
