Solace Gale
At forty-eight, lifelong spinster Eleanor Pembroke finally married.
On their wedding night, her husband, the country's most celebrated seer, lifted her veil and spoke without warning.
"Eleanor, the three fortunes I gave you thirty years ago were deliberately false."
Her body went rigid.
"First, I said you were born under a ruinous star and would destroy your family. In truth, your chart was exceptionally fortunate and perfectly matched mine.
"Second, I said only years of hardship and self-denial could save your dying mother. I gave the medicine to your stepmother instead, and Harriet died within the first year.
"Third, I said we would reunite after thirty years. You remained unmarried, while I had already married your older half-sister."
Seeing her disbelief, Silas Wycliffe tried to comfort her.
"Your sister once saved my life and asked three favors. A couple should repay debts together.
"I have always valued honesty, so I didn't want to hide it from you.
"Eleanor, don't feel wronged. I calculated that we have another life. I will make everything up to you then."