As Esme cleared the table, Lady Delphine reached for a small wooden box resting on a nearby side table. She opened it, revealing several neatly packed rolls of tobacco. She selected one and pressed it lightly between her fingers before placing it between her lips.
Esme returned swiftly, handing her a lit match. Lady Delphine inhaled deeply, allowing the smoke to curl around her lips before exhaling with a sigh.
Rose watched silently, her fingers gripping the hem of her dress. The tension in her body had not eased. Every word Lady Delphine had spoken only confirmed what she already feared—there was no escape.
"So," Lady Delphine said at last, her voice softer than before. "Now you know where things stand."
Rose nodded hesitantly. "Aye… I do."
Lady Delphine studied her for a long moment, then leaned back, resting her pipe on the ashtray beside her.
