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She will leave after her party. She will leave and take her jewels back to Rhia with her and then my options will be quite depleted, will they not? Lord Matthias refuses to come until I give him good reason, and what could I possibly say that he could believe, and I have no funds left of my own. The only option left will be to dirty my hands in the treasury, and it is so easily traceable.

I have truly backed myself into a splendid little corner, now have I not? You cursed old hag, why must you torment me like this?

Emily, dearest, Mother will do anything that she can.