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that both mothers had it in for only Amanda; Olivia’s mother glanced with disgust at both Amanda and Ivy; Ivy’s mother glanced with the same scorn at both Amanda and Olivia. That had been going on since the girls were little.
    Amanda’s mother had rarely seen the other Sedgwick sisters, since she hadn’t felt the need to hover over her daughter while in the presence of William or the girls. Amanda’s mom hadn’t wanted to even lay eyes on the man who’d terribly hurt and abandoned her, but she had nothing but kind words for his other daughters, whom she felt were innocent children caught in a lot of anger.
    Olivia’s and Ivy’s mothers now turned their scorn on each other. An argument might have broken out had the door not opened just then.
    An imposing man of sixty-something entered, holding a briefcase, which he set down at the head of the table.
    â€œGood morning, ladies, gentleman. My name is George Harris, and I am William Sedgwick’s attorney. William was a long-time friend as well as a client, and I am deeply sorry for your loss.” He waited a moment, then sat and opened the briefcase. “I am about to explain the pertinent sections of William Sedgwick’s last will and testament, which is uncontestable.”
    â€œWe’ll see about that,” Olivia’s mother muttered under her breath.
    Olivia sent her mother a sharp glance.
    â€œWilliam has left each of his three daughters an envelope dated as to when it is to be handed out and opened,” the lawyer said. On that date, each daughter may come to our office to pick up her envelope from our safe.”
    â€œWhen does Olivia get hers?” Olivia’s mother asked.
    The lawyer cleared his throat. “On December tenth, Amanda Sedgwick may pick up her envelope. On January thirtieth, Olivia Sedgwick may pick up her envelope. On March twentieth, Ivy Sedgwick—”
    Ivy’s mother shot up. “March twentieth is Ivy’s wedding date! William was up to something! I demand to know what’s going on!”
    â€œYou will sit down please, Mrs. Sedgwick,” the lawyer stated calmly, “or you will be escorted out of the building. You are here at my discretion only.”
    Ivy’s mother glared at the lawyer, but sat. Ivy’s fiancé patted Ivy’s hand.
    â€œAmanda, dear,” Olivia’s mother said, “why don’t you open your envelope right now? What’s a few days? Especially when we’re all so curious!”
    The lawyer stood. “Any departure from the terms of the will shall render null and void the contents of the envelope or any claim whatsoever to William’s estate.”
    â€œWhy does Amanda get her envelope first?” Olivia’s mother demanded to know. “She’s not the oldest.”
    â€œWhy don’t you mind your own business?” Ivy’s mother snapped.
    â€œHow dare you—” Olivia’s mother snarled back.
    â€œI’ll tell you how I dare,” Ivy’s mother shouted. “As Ivy is William’s only legitimate daughter, she is the only one who should inherit anything!”
    â€œMom!” Ivy said, her cheeks turning red. “Stop it right now!”
    â€œDear, I’m only trying to look out for your best interests. You’re planning a very expensive wedding in three months. Surely your father intended to help with the arrangements, so—”
    â€œI doubt that,” Ivy’s fiancé suddenly said, his expression glum. “Why would he help plan a wedding that he never wanted to see take place? He didn’t think I was good enough for Ivy.”
    â€œOh, Declan,” Ivy said. “My father was just being a snob. He thought only a Wharton MBA investment banker who plays golf would be good enough.”
    â€œAnd what it is you do?” Olivia’s mother asked Declan.
    â€œI happen to be studying for my MBA at NYU,” Declan responded.