Henry stayed quiet.

Time for action, Molly thought, quickly rushing forward and falling to her knees before Mrs Williams.

“Madam, please don’t blame Young Master. I... I climbed onto his bed myself. I deserve to be punished,” she said, lowering her head.

Smack!

Mrs Williams’ hand flew across Molly’s face. “You dare to say that to my face, you filthy girl? How dare someone as unclean as you climb onto my son’s bed!” she roared.

Her fury boiled over. “Do you have a death wish?” she demanded, raising her hand again to strike.

“Mum, stop it!” Henry said firmly, grabbing her wrist. He turned to Molly and helped her stand....