The question escaped before she could stop it.
There was a drop-dead silence in the room. For a moment, the women exchanged looks, one in demand and the other in disbelief.
Lady Sophia's expression softened. She opened her mouth, only to close it, unable to speak. That reaction was more than enough for Penelope to understand where she stood.
Something inside her cracked.
Penelope had always known her mother did everything to protect their family's lineage ever since their father died. Yet it didn't explain why she placed that priority above her own daughter.
It hurt her to think she'd once considered forgiving her for everything out of understanding. But each day proved otherwise.
"Do you think I do not know what he said?" Lady Sophia started, her voice quieter this time.
Penelope looked away, unable to bear looking at her mother.
