In the next couple of days, Cindy and Anna barely spoke to one another, and if they ever met in the hallway, Anna would immediately turn around and run as fast as she could.
Cindy wanted to talk to Anna to soothe their relationship, but Anna wasn't cooperating. It frustrated Cindy, but she didn't want to put too much effort into it either.
Ella, on the other hand, was staying in her room or going to her mother's place. She knew the two sisters would work on their relationship on their own without her interference.
In the meantime, Ella was in her mother's office, drinking a cup of warm milk while looking out the window, when some servants who had been fired to cut costs walked past.
"Mama, are we going to be okay?" Ella asked, glancing at her mother writing her signature on papers.
"We need to save as much money as possible. A few servants left to serve is going to be a huge impact on the manor, especially to the two sisters who didn't grow up in poverty," Eleanor explained without looking.
"I guess they will be fine. Everyone can adjust," Ella replied. She wasn't bothered by it, but maintaining a huge manor would take a toll on the remaining servants.
"I've already talked to them. Anna was fine and didn't complain, but Cindy was a bit skeptical. She was afraid it would impact her reputation with the public," Eleanor stopped what she was doing and looked at Ella, her eyes looking for an opinion on her daughter's side.
"Well, Mama, what do you think would happen to them if we aren't here to save them financially?" Ella asked, gripping the cup tighter.
"They would be in streets as a fallen noble for sure, or perhaps they will marry a rich noble to save face, or a maid to another noble," Eleanor replied and went back to work.
"How… How about the heir?" Ella asked cautiously.
"Hmm, about that. I received a letter saying he would be here soon, but no specific date was given. I think that's enough for now. Also, I sold some of the unused furniture and other items," Eleanor stated, informing her daughter.
"I bet Cindy would have a mental breakdown if her stuff were sold," Ella stated as a joke, but Eleanor nodded in agreement.
"We did argue a bit over me selling some of her father's items, but of course, there's nothing she can do. That is, if she wanted stone on her plate," Eleanor finished calmly.
Ella snorted into her milk before she could stop herself. "Mama, you make it sound like a threat."
"It is a threat," Eleanor replied mildly, signing another paper. "A practical one."
Ella laughed softly, but the sound faded as a thought settled in her chest, heavier than the milk warming her hands.
"Mama," Ella said after a pause, "you mentioned marrying into a rich noble family… just now. Was that meant for Cindy? Or Anna?"
Eleanor's pen stopped mid-stroke. She leaned back in her chair, fingers folding together as she studied her daughter with the quiet seriousness of a woman who had already counted too many losses.
"For them, it would be survival," Eleanor said. "For you… It would be security."
Ella blinked. "Me?"
"You are sensible. You don't overspend, you don't cling to pride, and you don't crumble when things change," Eleanor continued calmly. "If anyone were to marry without resentment, and without turning it into a battlefield, it would be you."
Ella's mouth hung open. She didn't expect her mother to think about her future marriage.
"I never thought of marriage as a solution," Ella admitted. "More like… something that happens after life is settled."
Eleanor smiled faintly. "That is exactly why you are suited for it."
Ella remained silent, thinking about it. For her, her youth wasn't very enjoyable to think about tying the knot to a man she'd need to serve for the rest of her life.
"But I won't force you," Eleanor added, returning to her papers. "But if any opportunity presents itself, a wealthy house, stable influence, and a man that will love you… cherish you. It would be foolish not to consider it. Not for ambition, but for protection."
Ella swallowed. "And if I say no?"
"I've already said that I won't force you, dear. It's your decision," Eleanor stated, forcing a smile.
"O-okay, I'll think about it," Ella muttered quietly as she stood up from her seat. "I'll grab some bread in the kitchen. I'm starving," she added before walking out the door.
Eleanor simply glanced at her daughter and continued doing her work.
Ella walked down the corridor, skirts brushing against her ankles, and she muttered under her breath. "Protection, security, stability… why does it all sound like a polite way of saying sacrifice yourself nicely?"
Ella rolled her eyes and sighed deeply. "So either I marry," she whispered to herself, turning a corner, "or Cindy does. And if Cindy marries—"
Ella stopped abruptly.
"If Cindy marries… For sure, she'll kick us out with empty pockets," Ella whispered, closing her eyes for a brief second before continuing to walk again.
Ella knew Cindy still didn't see her as part of their family, even if she was her half-sister.
For Cindy, Ella was a stranger added to their family for financial needs.
Ella sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't want Mama to suffer… I don't want us to be homeless." She felt a surge of responsibility being pressed into her shoulder. She knew her mother would do her best to stay afloat, but it wouldn't last long until the heir to the Viscount title came back and took control of the estate.
As Ella was about to enter the kitchen, she heard a faint voice calling from outside. Out of curiosity, her feet dragged her to the nearest window, flung the curtains away, and looked to what it was.
There, Ella saw a man in fancy clothes riding a horse, holding letters in his hand, and she saw Cindy running as fast as she could.
"Good morning, noble ladies, I hereby deliver the invitation for the royal ball!"