“I’m not talking about the blasted mice anyway. What is the meaning of all these new things and hiring all this staff? Did I say you could do that?” he asked.

She reached again for her brooch, feeling like she needed it. “I didn’t think I required your permission,” she said, finding her courage and her voice.

“Well, you do.”

She didn’t understand why she was holding her tongue. She never would have with Lord Tremaine. Perhaps it was simply that she couldn’t believe this was their first real conversation after they were married. Perhaps it was that she didn’t want to start off his return on the wrong foot, like she had with Cinderella. “I know you’re used to being independent, spending your money as you will, but your overindulgence and extravagance have no place here, my lady. Your rank means nothing in the Many Kingdoms. I am the lord of this domain.”

Lady Tremaine shook her head. “If it’s a matter of expense, Sir Richard, let me assure you that the money I spent was entirely mine.”

Sir Richard scoffed. “No, the money is mine. We are married now. And I will dictate how it’s spent.” He continued, “To that end, where are all my wife’s tasteful things that you have so thoughtlessly replaced with all this garish rubbish?”

Lady Tremaine lowered her eyes. She felt horrible. She didn’t think replacing their old things would upset him so much. It hadn’t occurred to her that all the shabby furnishings held meaning.

“I’m sorry, Sir Richard. I donated them,” she said.

He slammed his fist on his desk. “I’m not sure I can forgive this. You have really overstepped.” He looked up at the portrait of his wife hanging over the fireplace, and his face softened. He looked sad, almost resigned. “Well, there is nothing to be done about it now,” he said, “but you will let the staff go first thing tomorrow.”

“And who will clean the house, make the meals, and care for the children?” she asked, willing herself not to cry before him. She reached for her brooch again and was again disappointed not to find herself wearing it.

“You will,” he said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to spend some time with my daughter.”

Chapter XIII: Christmas Eve