Mother has always favored Isabella the most. Sophia, Aunt Tessa's joints ach

eaving her with lingering health issues. She still needs medicine. We'll be

o say. Sophia and Lucy were s

the embroidery quarters where their mothers resided. When they returned, bot

he third and fourth young ladies really did go and gather all their money, just as you

If only it were that simple. You u

. Soon enough, all she had to do was spin another tale about du

.. what do we do? Are we really g

ght away. A plan had alr

ed that a position had recently opened for purchasing supplies outside the estate-a rare opportunit

n't mean she

ut the estate's housekeeper, Mistress Lydia, was a different matter. If she wanted t

he had to find f

that evening, Sophia and Lucy came to her room

thing we have-everything our mothers own. We trust

. A flicker of emotion passed through he

Aren't you afraid I'll just

If there's anyone who can sta

again. We won't be able to keep this silver if w

keep them safe. But... to tell you the truth, I plan to use this money to approach

rs gasped

are after that position," Lucy said h

a confident smirk. "You n

a glance before nodd

ffairs, only those with real power have a say. If you can get that po

eanor assured t

o silence, Eleanor carried a basin of stea

yes at the sight. "And what exactl

y, Mistress. You must be exhausted. I had some extra hot water and

er her, then down to the basin, then bac

But if you expect me to do something for you-" she let out

been prepa

ly, "Oh, Mistress, you wound me. I simply thoug

arched a brow

woman's feet into the warm water. Her hands, practiced and gent

.. not an easy place to survive. All I want is a way to provide for my family. I ask for no

gaze softened, though

t. And you speak well. I suppose I can keep an eye out for

knew you had a kin

ou little fox. Most people call me cruel and harsh.

to be firm to keep order. It

ong moment, then finally sighed. "

Mist

regularly, offering quiet conversation and small comforts. She massaged

ting the brutal politics of servitude, found

ished another round of care, the housekeep

e the others. You're clever. Thoughtful. And-most i

rd, eyes locking

n the Penal House, I will see to it t

ead respectfully. "

's late. Go and rest. And... you d

ostility in those words. In fact, there

e crept ont

e what she

step had b

o wait for the righ