Chapter 8 - back fire

Margaret was yelling on top of her lungs. "You dirty servant. You came to me and told me you wanted to expose the person who planned the accident. I had thought you really wanted to help me. Now I see you want to use me?"

"It is not what you think, Lady Margaret, I can explain," Mabel begged.

"What can you explain? Tell me one thing, did you go to other servants to threaten them, to give you their valuables so that you could bribe the palace eunuchs? Do you want to bribe your way to become a concubine of the crown prince?" Lady Margaret was breathing hard as she asked.

Mabel could not utter a word. Margaret shook her head. "You can't defend yourself, can you? You really did it. And you had the boldness to come to me, and try to take advantage of me? I will not take this lightly. Guards! Anyone! Get in here at once."

"Please show mercy, Lady Margaret. I promise. I will not do it again," Mabel grabbed Margaret's leg.

The guards came in and dragged Mabel away from Margaret's feet.

"I have the perfect punishment for you," Margaret said. "I will make sure you never have a chance to get ambitious. I will send you to such a place that all greed in you will die."

At that moment, Perry stepped into the kitchen. She folded her hands and sighed.

On sighting Perry, Mabel screamed. "Lady Perry, help me! You have to save me."

Perry said nothing. It seemed she wanted to intervene, but she was restraining herself.

At that moment, a question arose in Patricia's mind. "Why was Margaret so powerful in Minister Collins's household? Why was she able to make decisions that no one could interfere in?"

Perry cleared her throat. "I think you should calm down, cousin."

Margaret turned to meet Perry's gaze. "Mind your business," she shot.

"This is my business. You should listen to reason," Perry said.

"And are you reason? Stay away from my affairs, do you hear me?" Margaret yelled.

"I am the first daughter of this family. I am no servant," Perry answered.

Margaret's tone went cold. "Just because you have been chosen does not mean you can ride above me. You will stay in your place and you will not interfere in my affairs, dear cousin."

"And if I do not?" Perry asked.

A voice from behind them broke through the tension. It was Lady Beatrice. "What is causing all the ruckus? We have a celebration very soon. This house must be filled with peace. The noble members of the family must get along well, don't you think so, my dear young ladies?"

Margaret moved away from Perry. "I was just punishing a servant, Aunt. Perry should not obstruct me."

Lady Beatrice smiled, "Of course you were." She turned to Perry, "Your wedding dress has arrived. You should come see it. It is beautiful."

Perry frowned, "But Mother! You should find out what the whole commotion is about. Margaret should be cautioned."

"By who?" Margaret frowned.

"Now, ladies," Lady Beatrice said smiling. "No argument, please. Maybe Perry did not see all that happened between you and this servant in the beginning. But I believe the servant must have done something unacceptable. So, punish her as you like."

Beatrice turned to Perry, "Let us go."

Lady Beatrice and Lady Perry turned to leave.

Margaret's hands balled into fists as she turned to face Mabel. "You dare call someone to interfere when I punish you? You want to make a fool of me, right? I will teach you well. You will be flogged fifty strokes. After that, you will be taken to the shameful countryside where you will work all your life."

Mabel screamed, "Not the shameful countryside! Lady Margaret, please have mercy. Spare me!"

"I hope you suffer a lot," Margaret turned to leave.

***

"What has gotten into you, Perry?" Beatrice said when they entered the room. "You know very well how your cousin is. Your father and I have continually warned you not to get on Margaret's bad side."

"I just hate when you say this, Mother. Margaret needs to be contained," Perry said as she sat on the bed.

Beatrice sat beside her. "You have tolerated Margaret for years. Why are you losing it all today? You will soon be the crown prince's consort. Your status will be high and lofty. Be patient a bit, even Margaret will have to bow to you too."

At that moment, a knock was heard. "Come in," Lady Beatrice said.

A servant rushed in, a scroll in his hand. "The palace has sent a list of women who will join the concubine's selection."

Lady Beatrice took the scroll and opened it hurriedly, her eyes scanning it hurriedly. When she was satisfied, she heaved a sigh of relief, "Good gracious! Margaret's name is not on the list."

***

Patricia was sitting in the servants' quarters when a lady walked up to her.

"Patricia?" she called.

Patricia raised her head. "Can I help you?"

"Palace eunuchs are waiting for you outside. Your name was included in the list for the concubine's selection," the lady said.

Patricia's eyes brightened. This was the moment she had been waiting for. She rose to her feet and began to pack her things.

The other servants in the room gasped and began to whisper among themselves. The lady who gave her the message stood there, watching. When Patricia was done, she turned to the door without uttering a word. All she wanted to do was leave.

The lady standing there said, "You sure are lucky. Remember me when you get to the palace. I can't believe you are leaving."

Patricia turned to her and smiled, "What is your name?"

"Stacy, my name is Stacy," the girl replied.

Patricia thought for a moment. She remembered Mabel uses to talk about a friend of hers called Stacy. " Are you from Mabel?" Patricia asked.

Stacy smiled wickedly, " yes, she told me to keep and eye on you. And make sure you pay for what you did."