"You really should've clued us in earlier," Louisa chided herself for not catching on sooner, the guilt and self-reproach evident in her voice.
"Mrs. Collins, I'm just the help. It's not my place to gossip about family affairs. Besides, with Martha running the show and Ms. Serena Collins in her corner, they had the stage. Even if I had a chance to
explain, I couldn't have cleared things up."
Edith stood by, silently serving them food as she spoke, "And, Ms. Serena Collins's always played the angel in your eyes - smart, kind-hearted, gentle. If I'd suggested she was bullying Ms. Rosemary Collins, you'd likely have thought I was spouting nonsense before I even finished my sentence."
As Edith went on, she added, "Especially when Ms. Serena Collins cries, that's when I'm really done for! I could have lost my job!"
Louisa gave her a reproachful look, "After all these years of dedicated service in our home, how could we just send you away? We're not heartless like Martha."
