“It was not an effort to stop a few rumors, per se,” Clara told her in an even tone, almost as if she was counseling the younger girl. “It was about stopping the rumors that would follow. As we all know, rumors can damage a person’s reputation. I was just assuring that the only talk going around about me was only because of actions I had taken.”
“True, but giving voice to those suspicions is what is, by far, the most damaging,” Clara rebutted.
“Some might start thinking what you are doing here talking to me,” Clara added. “Assuming your hiding spot gets discovered.”