Mrs. Angelica was in the kitchen when she heard the door slam open. She glanced up, her brow furrowing, and stepped to the doorway to see who had entered.

“Lucretia…” she murmured, recognizing her daughter’s figure slumped by the door.

“It’s me, Mum…” Lucretia replied dully, closing the door gently behind her.

Mrs. Angelica's face softened with concern as she approached. “What are you doing home so early, dear? Did something happen?” she asked, her voice ...