He held a leather folder against his chest.

“We are prepared to accept the donation under your terms, Mrs. Whitaker,” he said.

“It is Nora,” I said.

“The Whitaker name is the only one that will appear on the deed.”

“Of course,” Mr. Vance said.

He placed the folder on the bare mantlepiece.

“The board has approved the renaming.”

“The property will be known as the Darrow Historical Preserve.”

“The Mercer name will not appear on any plaque, sign, or archival record.”

Lena took a fountain pen from her coat pocket.

She handed it to me.

“Once you sign this, the transfer is public record,” she said.

“Grant’s attorneys have already withdrawn their injunction.”

“Daniel advised them they had no legal standing after the deposition was unsealed.”

I took the pen.

The gold nib was cold against my fingers.

I signed my name at the bottom of the parchment.

The blue ink dried quickly in the chilly room.

“It is done,” Mr. Vance said, signing his own name below mine.

“The keys, please.”

I took the heavy brass key ring from my pocket.