Master Richard: What is going on in my house right now?
Victoria: Oh, Richard, you frightened me! You were not supposed to be back so early today.
Master Richard: Answer my question, Victoria. Why is a baby scrubbing our library floor?
Victoria: She is just playing around, Richard. Her mother is sloppy and leaves her everywhere.
The little girl looked up from the wet floor, her small face completely covered in tears.
Little Clara: Please, mister, do not fire my mommy!
Master Richard: Sweetheart, nobody is going to fire anyone here today. Take a breath and tell me your name.
Little Clara: My name is Clara. Lady maroon said mommy loses her job if the floor stays dirty!
Richard turned his gaze directly toward his wife, his jaw set in pure rage.
Master Richard: Did you tell this helpless child that her mother would be fired?
Victoria: I was simply teaching the maid a lesson about keeping this grand house spotless!
Master Richard: You used a two-year-old child to intimidate a struggling hardworking worker?
Victoria: It is my house too! I can manage the domestic staff however I see fit!
Richard stepped between Victoria and the crying girl, offering his hand to the child.
Clara grabbed his finger with her small yellow glove, her shoulders still shaking with soft sobs.
The tension in the bright library grew heavier as Richard confronted his cruel wife.
He realized that the quiet life he built was filled with secrets he had ignored for years.