Disclaimer: this chapter has scenes of attempted sucide. Read at your own risk.
The morning light streamed into the drawing room of the Ellington manor, but it brought no warmth to the cold, tense atmosphere within. Augusta sat stiffly in her usual armchair, a cup of calming tea held in her hand.
"Gable," she called out, her voice sharp.
Mrs. Gable, the head housekeeper, appeared by her side almost instantly, her expression one of polite respect. "What can I do for you, Baroness." She had brought the tray of tea just moments before. Augusta took a sip, but the fragrant steam did little to soothe the knot of anger in her stomach.
"Has my daughter woken up yet?" Augusta asked.
"Well, Baroness," Mrs. Gable began, her voice hesitant. "Lady Anne returned very late last night. There was… a commotion. She went straight to her room, crying. I tried to call her down for breakfast this morning, as you instructed, but she… she shouted at me to get out."
