The polished, dark green carriage, a fine example of the Carson family's immense wealth, stopped smoothly in the courtyard of the Ellington Textiles establishment.
Inside, Anne sat perfectly still, her hands clasped in her lap. She stared out the window but saw nothing of the familiar building or the busy workers. Her mind was a closed loop, replaying the last instructions her mother had given her.
"Delia hasn't acquired all of Ellington's assets yet," Augusta's voice echoed in her head, sharp and urgent. "That old man still needs a doctor's assessment to prove he is fine before the preparations for the transfer can even begin. That gives us time. Continue going to Ellington Textiles. You are still, in their eyes, a daughter of the house. Use that. Stash enough money, sell off the private fabrics, do whatever you have to do before everything is finalized and they throw you out, too."
