d of the long, formal table sat her mother-in-law, Genevieve B

After a major fight, he would disappear f

ar end of the table and calml

heard you and Giles had a disagreement. And that you've moved to the

Mother," Elenor replied,

. "How is your recovery? The doctor said you need rest.

tea. Martha had served the Barrons for thirty years and was fiercely loyal to Genevi

or with a loud, deliberate clatter. A few drops of

rtha said, her voice

In the past, she would have ign

ngers, and spoke. Her voice wasn't loud, but it cut through

d Elenor to challenge her in front of Gene

and your tone, are disrespectful. According to your employment c

shot a desperate look at

s just clumsy. She didn't mean it." It was a cl

msy servants apologize. Insolent one

e Barron family does not have a custom of separate rooms! As a wife, you should be trying to mend you

e the mistress of the estate about her marriage. The other

ut she didn't intervene, curious t

e from her chair and walked over to Martha, her t

our business. You're paid to man

gal wife and the mistress of th

sulted your employer in front of witnesses. So choose carefully:

ce ashen. She was completely o

Mother, perhaps the staff should be reminded who employs them. It would be embar

defended Martha now, she would be admitting

nough, Martha!" she snapped. "Haven't you caus

esentful, shot one last hateful gla

eakfast. But the atmosphere in the room had fundamentally changed. The se