Chapter 5 - The Rector’s Correction
Two days later, Sunday morning service at St. Gabriel’s Church was packed to capacity. The sun streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting ruby and sapphire light across the wooden pews.
Maeve sat near the front, her posture impeccable, wearing a dark navy dress and a wide-brimmed hat. Beside her sat Iris, swinging her patent-leather shoes against the pew, holding a small coloring book.
When the rector stepped up to the pulpit for announcements just before the final hymn, a hush fell over the congregation. Most of Charleston society had heard the rumors about the Ellison family fallout, and all eyes surreptitiously drifted toward Maeve.
"Before we conclude our service this morning," the rector began, his voice echoing clearly through the vaulted nave, "I wish to issue a formal correction regarding the parish records of our recent baptismal service last Thursday. Due to an administrative oversight and miscommunication regarding family circumstances, the public record erroneously suggested that Mrs. Maeve Ellison had declined participation in her daughter’s sacrament. The parish wishes to clarify unequivocally that Mrs. Ellison was absent solely due to a family medical emergency out of state, and at no time did she waive her maternal or canonical rights regarding her daughter's upbringing. We apologize for any distress this clerical error has caused."
A sharp, collective intake of breath rippled through the pews. In the third row, Celeste Ellison stiffened as if struck by a physical blow, her face turning a mottled shade of crimson. Conrad stared fixedly at the hymnal in his hands, refusing to look up.
Iris looked up at Maeve, tilting her head. "Mommy, is he talking about you?"
May you like
Maeve smiled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her daughter's head. "Yes, sweet girl. He’s just setting the record straight."
As the congregation stood for the final hymn, Maeve sang with a clear, resonant voice. The whispers around her ceased, replaced by a grudging, undeniable realization: Maeve Ellison had not been erased. She had rewritten the ending.
