Rose’s POV:

Rose’s lips parted as she moved to ask Lucille the most pressing question in her mind,

But before she could speak, the old matron had already raised her hand, her gaze sharp and decisive.

“Not yet, child,” Lucille said, leaving no room for discussion or protest. “Sit. Then we talk.”

Rose swallowed, nodded and quickly sat down on a stool close to her bed, “I’ll -”

“I’ll ask first.” Once again, Lucille cut her off, “Tell me child, what did you ...