It was a bold move. Canceling the biggest ball of the season at the very last minute would cause a massive wave of gossip throughout polite society. But Ines did not care about gossip. She only cared about protecting her family.
"It shall be done immediately, Your Grace," Mr. Simmons replied with a deep bow.
Mr. Simmons left the room, his footsteps echoing rapidly down the hall as he went to mobilize the household staff.
Meanwhile, in the Blue Suite, Delaney had followed Aunt Margery's orders.
Sarah had drawn a steaming hot bath in the copper tub. Delaney slipped into the water, letting the heat soak into her freezing, bruised skin. She washed the thick, brown mud from her hair and scrubbed the dried blood from her hands. She scrubbed until her skin was pink and raw. She wanted to wash away the terrible memories of the crash, but the image of Rowan bleeding in the dirt refused to leave her mind.
