There was a silence in the room as Mrs. Hughes's face changed, her fingers turning white from gripping. Her nails broke the skin, but she didn't seem to notice.
Xaviera Evans didn't seem in a hurry, she just looked at her quietly. After a long silence, Mrs. Hughes finally took a deep breath and choked out, "I'll … I'll support you, whatever Miss Evans wants to do, I'll support it!"
As soon as she had spoken, before Xaviera could respond, Mrs. Hughes suddenly stood up. "I'm sorry, Miss Evans. It's getting late, and I should go back. They will be looking for me when they find out I'm gone."
She left hastily, leaving only Caleb Mamet and Xaviera in the room.
Caleb's expression remained gentle. In front of Xaviera, he was always the gentle and elegant gentleman. Thoughtfully, he poured Xaviera a cup of coffee and looked at her affectionately. "Did Xaviera get any gain from the conversation?"