The Story She Left Behind

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, suicidal ideation, child abuse, and emotional abuse.

Clara calls Timothy and asks him about A World Apart. He admits that he permitted Eliza to adapt The Middle Place but never considered Bronwyn’s potential connection to Cumbria. He’s curious about Clara’s discoveries but urges her to come home.

Dr. Finlay comes over to check on Wynnie. He encourages Clara not to travel until she’s fully healed. Clara worries about missing the Caldecott Awards and imposing on the Jamesons. While they’re talking, Wynnie notices a painting on the wall of their Bluffton home.

Clara confronts Charlie about the painting and accuses him of playing a game with her. A confused Charlie assures her that he doesn’t know more than he’s let on but suggests that they ask his cousin Isolde. Outside her cottage, Clara is shocked when she sees that Isolde is Bronwyn. They race into each other’s arms.

Bronwyn explains that she isn’t Charlie’s second cousin and invites them in so that she can tell them the full story. Inside, Clara studies the space and wonders about her mother’s past. Bronwyn assures her that she’s always loved her and that every choice she made has been for Clara.