Cole's voice stopped her before she could take a single step away from the table.
"Delaney, do not worry," Cole said. His voice was firm and completely supportive of his niece.
He glared at his wife, absolutely furious that Eunice was trying to ruin his careful plans to appease Lord Hawksley. If Delaney was not at least a bit presentable to uphold Hawksley's image, he might withhold the final payment.
"Wear whatever you want," Cole instructed Delaney clearly. "You will not wear Anne's old rags. You will wear the new dresses. It is fine."
He waved his hand toward her empty chair.
"Do not mind your aunt," Cole ordered. "Sit down and finish your dinner."
Delaney hid her victorious smile. She slowly sat back down in her chair.
Eunice sparked like a lit match.
The humiliation was entirely too much for her to bear. Her husband had publicly sided with the miserable orphan. He had dismissed her opinions entirely again. He had told the girl to ignore her.
