Chapter 26 After lunch , Catlin followed her grandfather to Uncle Emest Kensington's house . They lived ten miles away - half an hour on the subway By the time they arrived , it was already past one in the afternoon . Fortune stepped up to the door and knocked . " Who's there ? Stop pounding , use the doorbell - can't you see it ? % An elderly woman with a shock of white hair opened the door , looking thoroughly irritated . At the sight of her , Fortune immediately put on a beaming smile . " Ah , my dear in - law !!! This was Emest's mother - in - law , Cheryl Hadley . ! Cheryl gave Fortune a withering look , barely bothering to hide her contempt . " So it's you making all that racket , ignoring the doorbell like it doesn't even exist . Country folk - always so uncouth . How embarrassing . She probably didn't even know what a doorbell was . Her gaze flicked past Fortune and landed on Caitlin . Instantly , Cheryl's expression transformed . "Well , if it isnt Cate ! What a pleasant surprise ! Come in , come in ! " She turned her head and called into the house , illana , Emest ! Come out , we have special guests ! " Caitlin caught every shift in Cheryl's attitude , but kept her face neutral as she followed Fortune inside . Fortune stooped to take off his shoes , but liana Hadley appeared from the living room , eyes widening in surprise when she saw Caitlin Weren't these two supposed to be estranged for years ? How had they reconciled so quickly ? orry about your shoes , just come But Iliana kept her questions to herself , and instead smiled brightly . " Dad , Catle , you're home - don't worry She walked over and took Caitlin's hand warmly . " It's been ages , Calie - you're looking lovelier every time I see you ! " " Hello , Aunt Iliana , Caitlin replied politely . Iliana paused , slightly taken aback . ly was she more beautiful , her whole Something was different about Caitlin today . Clearly , life among the upper class suited her , not only demeanor had become more refined & Caitlin used to seem so timid , always shrinking into the background wherever she went liana smiled and nodded . Then she looked at Fortune , half - chiding , " Dad , really , you should have told us you were coming - I would've sent Emest out to pick up some of Catie's favorite things ! " Standing in his son and daughter - in - law's elegant house , Fortune looked a little uncomfortable . " I didn't want to trouble you . Catie and 11 made sure to eat before we came . " need for formality ! You both have to stay for " Oh , don't be silly ! " Emest chimed in , coming over with a broad grin . " We're family - no ne dinner . It's been ages since Catie was last home . " % " That's night ! " Cheryl agreed immediately . " lliana , you and Ernest stay with your dad and Catie , I'll go out and pick up some groceries . " Iliana nodded . " Thanks , Mom . Get plenty of seafood - Catie loves it . " Fortune hurried to say there was no need , but his son and daughter - in - law were so enthusiastic , he couldn't get a word in . They moved into the living room , where Ernest and Iliana bustled about making tea for Fortune and Caitlin . Just then the door , which had been closed , swung open " Mom , Dad , do we have guests ? " called a bright young voice from the entryway * Bonnie , you're home ! " tiana called back with a smile . " Come see - it's Grandpa and Calle . " Al that Bonnie Hadley's face fell ever so slightly She was a year younger than Caitlin , in her final year of high school Though not related by blood , they were family in name . But Bonnie was a true city girl , born into comfort , doted on by both parents and grandparents alike . !! . The Hadleys weren't especially wealthy by Silverhaven standards , but with only one daughter , Emest and liana showered Bonnie with ewery advantage From the time she was a toddler , she'd had lessons in plano , guitar , ballet - all the finer things . And Caitlin ? " Caitlin had no parents , and grew up in the countryside . While Bonnie was learning piano , Caitlin was playing in the dirt . While Bonnie was dancing ballet , Caitlin was still making mud pies . What else did Caitlin know besides that ? So Bonnie had always felt a strong sense of superiority around Caitlin , relishing every envious look Caitlin sent her way . !! But then , just when Bonnie thought she'd always have the upper hand , Caitlin suddenly became the young wife of Silverhaven's illustrious Chandler family . The jealousy nearly drove Bonnie mad . ! To her , Caitlin was just a hopeless little country ntry girl - someone not even fit to be a maid in the city . How on earth had she married into high society ?! Even Bonnie herself had never had a shot at that . " So why Caitlin ? Now , seeing Caitlin again , Bonnie's emotions were tangled and hard to name . Still , she forced a smile . " Hey , Catie . "