It didn’t surprise me that after Hamilton’s visit to my office, the word of my engagement had spread around the family. Gossip circulated like wildfire through the ranks, but never past the family name. De Loughreys didn’t talk about the family to non-de Loughreys.
“What do you mean you’re engaged?” my mother screeched.
“Just as I said. She is coming to the family dinner.”
There was a pause, then a sigh. “Why are you doing this, Atticus?”
“Doing what?”
“Defying everyone’s wishes.”
“Everyone’s? I don’t give a s**t about everyone. I have sacrificed my life for this family, and this one act is the only thing that is mine and mine alone, and I will not have it dictated by anyone!”
“Couldn’t you have picked someone like Lucinda Carmichael?”
Luci? “Aldrich’s little sister? Come now, Moth
