Page 80 of Song of the Caged Duchess

Esther forgot how to breathe.

She turned to look at her cousin.

Eugenia wouldn’t meet her gaze.

“Eugenia,” Esther said. “Is this true?”

“Of course it’s true,” Aunt Tabitha said sharply. “Unlike you, Esther, Eugenia and I have never lied to anyone about our goals for this Season. We have always been clear and straightforward. I believe that’s what His Grace likes about Eugenia. He can trust her. More than he could trust you.”

“Eugenia, how could you do this?” Esther asked. “You know how I felt about him.”

Eugenia raised her head, and Esther saw that her eyes were filled with tears. “Esther,” she said. “I—”

“Go to your room, Eugenia,” her mother said, cutting her off. “Take your plate with you. Right now.”

Eugenia rose to her feet and picked up her plate. She looked helplessly at Esther.

Esther’s heart hardened. Her cousin had betrayed her. Now she was going to accept a marriage to Hugh, whom she knew Esther loved.

To think I’ve spent the past few weeks trying to help her!

She regretted every kind word now, every moment she had spent reassuring Eugenia that she was worthy of love and admiration. Eugenia wasn’t worthy of anything.

Her cousin was watching her, clearly hoping Esther would say something.

What does she want? Forgiveness? Does she want me to tell her that this is all right?

Esther wouldn’t do that.

Itwasn’tall right.

Right now, she felt as if she would never forgive Eugenia for what she had done.

Eugenia turned and left the room, leaving Esther alone with her aunt.

“You went to him,” Esther said quietly. “You went to him to persuade him to accept an engagement to Eugenia.”

“Of course I did,” Aunt Tabitha said. “I’m her mother, Esther. That’s what agoodmother, a mother whocaresabout her daughter, does.”

Esther was shaking. Her emotions were too complex to sort out. There was rage, yes, but also grief and pain. She couldn’t believe Aunt Tabitha had done this to her.

“I always knew you disliked me,” she said quietly. “I knew you were jealous of me, and that you feared for Eugenia’s chances while I was here. But I never knew you werethiscruel. You took my suitor from me. I loved him, Aunt Tabitha.”

“You don’t love anyone or anything,” Aunt Tabitha said coldly. “You’re just like my brother. The only thing you care about is money. And you’re like your mother—a desperate social climber.”

“You’re describingyourself,” Esther said. “You’re the one who desperately wants Eugenia to marry the Duke even though he was in love with me. You care only for yourself. You say you’re a good mother, and that you’re doing what’s best for your daughter. But it isn’t about her. It’s about you. I’m not blind.”

Aunt Tabitha shook her head. “If only you had been a little kinder, Esther,” she said. “If only you had been a little more respectful. Perhaps then you could have stayed. But I can’t keep you here.”

“I wouldn’t stay with you now if you begged me,” Esther said.

“You may be sure I never will,” Aunt Tabitha replied. “Don’t bother taking a seat. You’ve made it clear that you consider yourself above eating at my table. Very well. Go home hungry, for all I care.”

She rose from the table and stalked out.

Esther was alone.

She surveyed the room slowly, her heart pounding.