Suitable choice (2)

Evelina regained her voice as soon as her father and the Duke left the hall. She turned to her mother, who had suddenly grown cold and withdrawn.

"What did he mean about Father needing money, Mother? Is any of it true? Please tell me it isn't."

But Breanna remained silent, as if she hadn't just heard Evelina.

"Now that I think about it, both you and Father seemed eager to leave the ball last night. Father in particular seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere after dropping me off. Did something happen last night that I don't know about? Tell me, Mother, what does the Duke know?"

"Nothing," Breanna spat in frustration. "And don't bombard me with questions like that. I wouldn't know how to answer if you confronted me like that. I've told you before, Evelina, men don't appreciate a woman who is too outspoken."

Evelina slouched in disbelief as she processed her mother's tone. The hall suddenly felt chilly.