Jonathan stood silently.
Even Marcus looked uncomfortable.
He had spent the afternoon judging Claire by her appearance.
Now he was watching a mother embrace the daughter she had waited years to see again.
After several minutes, Margaret helped Claire sit down.
She brought a chair closer and carefully placed a cushion behind her back.
"Have you eaten?"
Claire laughed softly through her tears.
"Not really."
"Of course you haven't."
Margaret turned toward the reception desk.
"Olivia, could you ask the kitchen to prepare something warm?"
"Absolutely, Mrs. Bennett."
"And some tea."
"Of course."
Margaret looked at Jonathan.
"Mr. Pierce, may I take a little time?"
Jonathan nodded.
"Take as much time as you need."
Margaret thanked him.
Then she sat beside Claire.
For a while, they talked about simple things.
The weather.
The journey.
The hotel.
The apartment where Margaret now lived.
Neither knew where to begin with the years they had lost.
Finally, Claire took her mother's hand.
"I kept your letter."
Margaret looked surprised.
"Which letter?"
"The one you sent after the accident."
Margaret's eyes filled again.
"You received it?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you call?"
Claire lowered her head.
"I thought you would be disappointed in me."
Margaret shook her head.
"Never."
"I had so many chances to come back."
"Then let's not waste another day talking about the chances you missed."
Claire looked at her.
Margaret smiled sadly.
"We have today."
Claire squeezed her hand.
"Do you still live near the old apartment?"
"No. I moved into a small place near the river. It's quieter now."
"Would you let me visit?"
Margaret laughed.
"Visit? You can come home."
Claire's smile disappeared into another wave of tears.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure."
Margaret brushed a tear from her daughter's cheek.
"Your room is not there anymore, but we can make a new one."
Claire nodded.
"I'd like that."
Later that afternoon, Jonathan invited Claire and Margaret into his office.
He wanted to apologize for the way the situation had been handled.
Marcus was also present.
Jonathan began.
"Miss Bennett, Mrs. Bennett, I want to apologize on behalf of the hotel."
Claire looked at him.
"For what?"
"For allowing you to be treated as though you did not belong here."
Marcus shifted uncomfortably.
Jonathan continued.
"Our employees should have checked your reservation properly before making assumptions. You should never have been made to feel that your appearance was a reason to question your right to stay."
Claire remained quiet.
Marcus finally spoke.
"I apologize, Miss Bennett."
She looked at him.
"I hope you understand why I was upset."
"Yes."
"When I entered this hotel, I was already having a difficult day. I had traveled a long distance, my leg was hurting, and I was nervous about seeing my mother after so many years."
Marcus lowered his eyes.
"Instead of helping me, you made me feel like I was a problem."
"I'm sorry."
Claire nodded.
"I accept your apology."
Jonathan looked at Marcus.
"An apology is a beginning, not a solution."
He explained that the hotel would review its guest service procedures and provide additional training.
Marcus would receive a formal warning.