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The Secret Book of Flora Lea: a Novel
by Patti Callahan Henry
Year
1805
Contents
Chapter 46
Summary
- The group—Hazel, Kelty, Camellia, Wren, and Peggy—were in the Victorian Embankment Gardens facing the River Thames, discussing the mysterious connection between Peggy's book Whisperwood and the disappearance of Hazel's sister Flora.
- Peggy's mother, Linda Andrews, angrily confronted the group, questioning Peggy's actions and showing concern for her safety.
- Linda revealed that Peggy had flown to England following a letter from Hazel and expressed her protective nature towards her daughter.
- Hazel admitted to sending the letter to Peggy, hoping to find connections to her missing sister.
- Peggy accused her mother Linda of selling the book's original illustrations for financial gains, which Linda justified as being for their future.
- Camellia empathized with Linda's protective tendencies but implored her to share any knowledge about the story's origin in hopes of finding her missing daughter, Flora.
- Linda disclosed that her sister, Maria, had volunteered overseas during the war and brought back the story of Whisperwood, which had comforted a young girl she cared for in Newcastle.
- The discussion revealed that Maria's account of the story had become interwoven with Peggy and Linda's family history after Maria's death.
- Linda vehemently asserted that the story was part of her family's legacy, but Peggy challenged this notion, suggesting that the story might actually be linked to Flora.
- Linda, regretfully, confirmed that she had no information about the little girl or the family involved, as Maria never gave names.
- Camellia suggested reaching out to Dorothy Bellamy, a reporter who might write an article that could uncover new leads about the girl from Newcastle.
- Hazel, despite apprehensions about the media, contacted Dorothy to setup a meeting and share their story.
- The chapter ended with Hazel contemplating the wider implications of discussing her family's tragedy with the journalist, in hopes of finding her lost sister.