Agatha stepped out of the carriage, feeling both embarrassed and foolish for wasting the money she had earned to greet Olivia, only to be turned away.
"There is always good work around the town. I cannot employ you, as it would only bring gossip for Iris. I urge you not to speak out, not to go running to your peers, and not to share old stories about Iris. This is her time," said Olivia.
Agatha knew very well that speaking too much could place Iris in a bad light. She was only concerned now about how she would survive without anyone at her side.
"I could recommend you to a few homes where you could find good work, but I wouldn't tell them that you are Iris's mother," Olivia suggested, but she lacked faith in Agatha.
Agatha scoffed. "You're trying to come off as though you're so kind and you don't care about her background, but then you don't want me to speak of being her mother."
