Barbara sat on a charred piece of rubble, staring at the remnants of the store that the fire had destroyed. The flames had been extinguished an hour ago, and Kate's body had been taken to her home. Kristie had offered to accompany her to the Heming manor, but she declined.
She was in disguise, thus Kate's parents wouldn't know her well, so Kristie's presence would suffice. Plus, Barbara couldn't bring herself to face Kate's parents, as guilt and despair weighed heavily on her heart. The scene of buying cakes before the fire kept playing over and over in her mind, adding to her anguish.
'Lady Kristie, you stay and I will go to buy them.'
She should have said yes and let her go. At least she could have saved Kate. Why didn't she agree? She wanted to do something for the kids and Kate, but it turned into tragedy. She should have agreed so that the one staying in the store would be her. Closing her eyes, tears fell from them. She thought her tears had dried, but they kept pouring.
