The Last Bow

air of righteous indignation, pointing an accusatory finger at Elea

slaps across Marianne's face. The sound echoed through the co

was like that of sisters-on the surface. But in their past life, after Isabella had risen to power, it was this very Marianne who had orchestrated the downfall of Eleanor's mother

s, but Marianne was

o keep your mouth shut. Do you think these things should be l

"The Senior Archivist will arrive soon to take stock of everything. If you

ir eyes, unwilling to draw Eleanor's attention. Even Lady Margaret, who had been ab

ted Lillian May, "Quickly,

the two concubines beside her. "You should do t

t time, they didn't leave a single egg yolk unshaken, and they poured boiling water over the a

the women as they r

even their bones. The female relatives of the last fallen chancellor had perished within three days of the

hip. She had no understanding of the cruel depths of human nature. Now, pale with fear, she clutched Eleanor's arm and w

o to the storeroom and gather whate

e concubines and their daughters, ensuring that everyone h

ssions filled with indignation and grie

s ransacked. Gold, jewels, antiques, and fine paintings were all seized. The courtyards, once filled with fragrant blossom

knew what she had to do. She discreetly pressed a heavy purse of

nts are in poor health. If you could arrange eas

weighing its contents. "You're a clever one. But my authority is limited-I

ing from the si

ers huddled together in fear, Isabella remained calm, her posture straight. The moment their eyes met, Isabella s

h. "Oh? Then why don't you find a way

er sleeve and offered it to the female historian. "Thank you, Aun

e hairpin away and gestured for the others

Miss!" she cried. "There were three spots-wh

legitimate daughter of the Chancellor's Estate. Sh

en regarded as the true heir of the estate. Wheth

oing to Lady Margaret, Isabella was left to com

bines, who had only just begun to

tall and expectant, clearly waiting fo

s. "Sister, do you still believe yourself to be

ard labor. You are young and lovely. You will find opportunities. But my mother and the concubines are not so for

s taught us to value filial piety, Sister. S

ps pressed in

to protest, but Eleanor

ing floors, cleaning waste, washing clothes. Isabella, claiming clumsiness, had

just laundry. Why are you making a fuss? You'd

ken on their behalf, but Isabella ha

eant for rough work. But my sisters-they are different. Our house has fallen. When they marry, they will h

had been too

ds at the Bureau had started to ease Eleanor and her sisters' burde

not let histor

" she said. "Go to Mistress Lydia, the embroidery overseer. S

r voice warm. "Thank you, Aunt. You are a

. "Enough flattery. It's

settled, only Eleanor and Isabella