It had to be said—Aunt Ashford's words were sharp.
With just a few sentences, she had labeled Amelia as "rude" and "unworthy."
Mrs. Cromwell had been one of the most prominent socialites in her time.
She knew how dangerous such labels could be.
If they stuck to her daughter, they would follow her for a lifetime.
She had long since lost her confidence in speaking.
She was even afraid of saying the wrong thing.
But today, she stepped forward.
"You keep saying 'unworthy' and 'rude'—you insult my daughter and expect her to treat you with respect?"
"I haven’t managed household affairs in years, but I didn’t realize the Cromwell family's eldest daughter now has to pander to servants to be considered worthy."
"The the Cromwell family pays you a salary. If you don’t want to work here, th
