Chapter 15

Contains spoilers

Overview

As Nina prepares a PTA backyard gathering, Millie is overwhelmed by the home’s mess and a time crunch. Andrew steps in, picking up the hors d’oeuvres and taking Cecelia along, easing the pressure. He reveals Cecelia isn’t his biological daughter and expresses a desire for more children, deepening family dynamics and Millie’s sympathy.

Summary

Nina plans a small PTA backyard meeting for field day, and Millie races to prepare the house. She describes the relentless overnight messes—wet towels, toothpaste in sinks, clothing everywhere, and hidden candy wrappers—plus dusty patio furniture that threatens her schedule and Nina’s exacting standards.

Overwhelmed, Millie assesses the filthy patio as Andrew approaches, notices her distress, and offers help. After some hesitation, Millie agrees, and Andrew volunteers to pick up the hors d’oeuvres, lifting the immediate time pressure and allowing Millie to focus on cleaning the outdoor space.

Cecelia arrives asking for computer help, and Andrew smoothly redirects her to put on shoes and join him on a short “road trip,” demonstrating his easy rapport with her. Millie notes his effectiveness with Cecelia and reflects on how much easier the child is under his guidance.

While they wait, Millie remarks that Cecelia resembles Andrew, prompting Andrew to disclose Cecelia isn’t his biological daughter; he met Nina when Cecelia was a baby and has been her only father. He admits he wishes for many children, and his sadness suggests ongoing fertility struggles. Millie files the insight, understanding Andrew’s attachment and the household’s tensions as she returns to her tasks.

Who Appears

  • Millie
    Maid and narrator; overwhelmed by cleaning before Nina’s PTA event, accepts Andrew’s help, and learns about Cecelia’s paternity.
  • Andrew Winchester
    Husband; comforts stressed Millie, picks up hors d’oeuvres with Cecelia, reveals he isn’t Cecelia’s biological father, wants more children.
  • Nina Winchester
    Wife; hosts a PTA backyard meeting while leaving extensive messes for Millie to clean.
  • Cecelia Winchester
    Daughter; asks Andrew for computer help, joins him on the errand, subject of paternity reveal.
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