Chapter 57

• Isabella had done nothing, yet she was suddenly cast as the villain—a sharp-tongued, petty woman with no trace of ladylike grace.
• Just as she was about to explain, the servant, emboldened, clung to her leg, crying, "Miss, I swear I didn’t mean to dirty your dress! How could I afford to replace such an expensive gown? Even if I sold my house, it wouldn’t be enough! If you dock my pay, what will my family live on?"
• Isabella nearly cursed aloud—she hadn’t said a single word this whole time! Yet, with the servant’s pitiful display, it seemed as if she had ruined her life.