Chapter 181

Mrs. Lee gulped down some water and leaned closer to Emily Johnson with a conspiratorial whisper. "They say Margaret Lee jumped into the river, and some passing peddler fished her out. Now the Lee family is the laughingstock of the whole village!" She lowered her voice. "That widow's in-laws got tired of waiting for the Lees to pay up, so they stormed their house demanding the money."

Emily's eyes widened. "Where would the Lees get that kind of money?"

"Exactly!" Mrs. Lee slapped her thigh. "George Lee joined the widow's in-laws in smashing up the place, shouting that they could take his life but not his money. In the end, the widow's family had to settle for a hundred bucks before kicking her out."

"And the widow now...?"

"She packed her bags and moved straight into the Lee household!" Mrs. Lee burst into laughter. "You should’ve seen it! George’s ex-daughter-in-law was even more ruthless—she went back to her parents’ house the same day and remarried!"

Emily was stunned. The drama was unfolding way too fast.

"Oh, and isn’t Margaret Lee Charles Clark’s fiancée?" Mrs. Lee suddenly recalled. "He was talking about a winter wedding!"

Emily shook her head. "I haven’t met her yet. But..." She changed the subject. "I heard the women’s committee chair is hosting a wedding soon?"

"Yes, yes!" Mrs. Lee nodded eagerly. "Her daughter’s getting married in three days. They’ll definitely invite your family." She stood up. "It’s getting late—I should head back."

Emily quickly pressed two White Rabbit candies into her hand. "For the kids."

After seeing Mrs. Lee off, Emily was still processing the absurd gossip when Mary Stone bustled in.

"Emily, your cousin’s daughter is getting married in three days. Bring the boys to the feast," Mary instructed. "Five cents as a gift will do."

"That’s it? No other gifts?" Emily hesitated.

Mary rolled her eyes. "What else would you give?" Realizing her city-bred daughter-in-law didn’t know rural customs, she added, "Just show your face and that’s enough."

No sooner had Mary left than Tommy’s wails erupted from the yard.

"Mom! George Jr. broke the Rubik’s Cube!" David fumed. "He snatched it from us, then tripped while running..."

Emily frowned at the shattered toy on the ground. That little troublemaker!