They left the mansion and went to Violet's house, where Violet was overjoyed to see his mother. He left the women alone and braced himself for their departure at any moment.

He gave the gown to Anne, who packed it carefully and secretly, as he doubted Violet would see it. She wasn't the type to rummage through her belongings; she couldn't do it.

He went to pick up the two most important women in his life after everything was packed into the car. They proceeded to the airstrip; the plane had already been inspected, so they were free to depart.

Violet slept through the journey, but it was a peaceful...