ina Ha

he anger, the pointing finger, the "ungrateful woman" still fresh on her tongue-and draw herself up in

married into this house. "I lost my temper a moment ago. A mother hears her son's name tangled up in talk o

ded inside it. I let her ho

Where will a woman like you go? A merchant's daughter, and Dragonless besides. There is no second family waiting to take you in. The cap

ak, you are alone, and the world will sw

cloudy, shrewd eyes. "Virginia speaks too softly. Let me be plain, Seraphina. Do you truly believe Ethan will give up Blanca for

can refuse. Ask Ethan to turn it down, and you would shame him before the whole court. A good wife does not p

haming my husband; comply, and I was a good wife once more. Every pat

So let us be generous. Stay, keep your title, continue to manage the estate as you have these three years.

I stayed useful-a matron to run their house

the main ledger down upon its surface, and

ever been jewelry. For three years it had been the weight on my hand that let me sign their pa

ed the ring, and her

he study key on the table before her. They

Miss Collier more useful, let her b

rrowed. She had not

still holding its careful shape. "My dear child, do not be rash. Put th

aid, turning to he

ledger across the

rs. Every coin, accounted for. From this mome

ace. She knew, better than any of us, that the coffers were empty.

e title of Lady Franks. That was why she had pushed

speak again, but Eleanor si

thing shifted behind her eyes-shock, anger, an

y with your little ledger?" she said, th

s is not a threat, my

again. I turned to Ce

ere red, and she

t satchel between us-leaving Eleanor and Virgi

ntic. "My ladies, it is terrible! Master Ethan-Mast

. Then a cold smile touched my lips

I took Celeste's arm

the Franks estate, the morning sun fell full on my fa

future held. But one thin

n shed a single te