Because Robert was identical to Elliot. If Shea was still alive and saw Robert, she would have spoiled the boy senseless.

A young woman as kind as Shea would never want to see Elliot keeping a distance from his son because of her.

Mrs. Scarlet left the dining room after saying what she had to say.

The spoon in Elliot's hand dropped into the bowl at the news that Avery had taken Robert to Bridgedale.

'She must be really mad to leave in such a hurry,' he thought.

Avery told him that she would raise Robert on her own; she took the boy away with her to Bridgedale so that he wouldn't have to see him. Elliot felt like he was supposed to be relieved, but he simply couldn't feel the slightest joy.

The thought of rushing to Bridgedale to find her even came across his mind, but was soon rejected.

'It's a good thing that she took him away,' he thought, 'that way, I will have time to cool down and keep check of my emotions.'

…

It was a spontaneous decision for Avery to take Robert to Brid