Chapter 23 - Lucasta Writes Tamsin
Two years after sentencing, Lucasta requested permission through counsel to send Tamsin a letter.
No direct contact.
Mara and I discussed with Dr. Nolan.
Then asked Tamsin.
She was eight.
“What does she say?”
“We haven’t opened it yet.”
“Can you?”
We did.
Lucasta wrote:
Tamsin,
At the gala, I grabbed your arm, pushed you into a room, and locked the door.
There.
You were scared.
There.
I told you that you did not belong with the Ashford family.
There.
That was wrong.
There.
Long before that night, your mother sent messages and letters meant for your father. I stopped many of them from reaching him.
There.
I told myself I was protecting the family.
There.
I understand now that I was protecting my own position and avoiding consequences for choices I had already made.
There.
You did not cause any of it.
Good.
No:
I hope you understand.
No:
I loved the family too much.
No request for forgiveness.
Tamsin listened.
Then asked:
“Do I answer?”
“No.”
“Can I say she mean?”
“You can say whatever you feel.”
“She mean.”
Mara said:
“Yes.”
Tamsin thought.
“Keep letter.”
We did.
At nine she asked to read it herself.
Then folded it.
No reply.
Lucasta did not ask again for another year.
That restraint mattered.
Would Tamsin ever see her?
Unknown.
Blood did not create access.
May you like
That was one of the family’s newest traditions.
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