Mrs. Bramble cackled, almost like she herself was a witch. “How am I to know the hearts and minds of witches? They’re foul creatures, witches are, and I won’t let my lady be dragged into their story!”

Lady Tremaine could see that Mrs. Bramble was becoming even more agitated and was about to say something more, but she was tired of having this conversation and decided it was best if the old woman thought she believed her.

“Thank you, Mrs. Bramble. I will read the book, but I must insist you take the remainder of the evening to rest in your room. Do you understand? You’re very worked up, and as much as I appreciate your devotion and care, I can’t have you exhausting yourself.”

Mrs. Bramble tried to protest. “But what of this evening, my lady? Who will help you dress?”

Lady Tremaine sighed. The old woman seemed to have forgotten about Rebecca.

“I suppose Rebecca will help me, just for this one evening, while you take a much-needed break. We might arrange a little holiday for you once we get back to London. Doesn’t that sound nice? Is there anyone you’d like to visit? You haven’t seen your sister in a while.”

Mrs. Bramble was still clutching the book, squeezing it so tightly Lady Tremaine thought she might actually break her brittle fingers. “Here, let me take that from you, Mrs. Bramble. I promise to read it. Think about where you’d like to have your holiday, and I’ll make all the arrangements.” Lady Tremaine pulled the cord hanging near the fireplace mantel to summon a maid, who showed up within moments. Lady Tremaine loved how efficiently Lady Hackle ran her household.

“Hello, dear,” Lady Tremaine said. “Could you please take Mrs. Bramble to her room and have someone bring her tea and later her dinner on a tray? She isn’t feeling well.”

“I don’t want to be any trouble or make more work for the cook or other servants.” Mrs. Bramble was fussing. “They have enough to do with the party this evening.”

“Nonsense,” said Lady Tremaine. “They won’t mind, will they, dear?”

The maid smiled. “We won’t mind at all,” she said gently, being kind to the old woman. “Come now, Mrs. Bramble, let me show you to your room.”

Seeing Mrs. Bramble walk out of the room with the young maid made her look even older in Lady Tremaine’s eyes. She hadn’t realized how very old her lady’s maid had become, and she suddenly felt rather foolish for not having seen it before.

“You rest, Mrs. Bramble. And I’ll be very disappointed if I hear you haven’t.”

Mrs. Bramble gave her lady a weak smile. “Yes, my lady. Don’t you worry about old Mrs. Bramble. I’ll be right as rain again tomorrow. Just remember what I said.”