Resolution

Anna busied herself, running to the bath to dampen a cloth and after massaging Beth's face, proceeded to brush down her hair slowly, removing the hairpins one before the other, hoping not to cause her mistress any more pain than she was already in.

Beth held the wet, cold cloth to her hot cheek, it stung for a moment, then it was soothing. A sharp pain tore through the wound and Beth flinched. Her mind was made up. She would put the afternoon behind her. She would continue with the planning for the Christmas Ball, the repainting, redecorating and all. Her resolve still held.

And tomorrow, if any one came calling she would receive them all, even if they would only come to mock or insult her. She would be present at luncheons, attending balls and tea parties, with or without Lord Carlisle. Listening to people talking about her and calling her names, until they tire of her and move to the next person.