The Gothic Switch Chapter 2

Through her tears, Ruby told me what happened. The baby was born while I was unconscious, but my husband, Brayton, had dismissed all the other maids and the midwife, sending them to Lillian’s side. Only Ruby remained to look after me.

Remembering my warning, she’d made a small mark with rouge on our daughter's heel before going to fetch hot water. When she returned, the mark was gone.

The room had been in turmoil, and she hadn't gotten a clear look at the baby’s face. Without that mark, she would have never known.

"Was anyone else in this room?" I asked.

"Celeste, Miss Lillian's personal maid. She came in with a basket, saying she’d brought you some food. She saw I was in a hurry and offered to watch you and the young miss, so I..."

Ruby prostrated herself, banging her head on the floor. "I deserve to die, my lady! I am a worthless servant!"

"No," I said, my voice a raw whisper. "You did well. Now, I have a task for you. Do this, and you will have redeemed yourself."

"Yes, yes! I would die for you, my lady!"

"Stand guard here. Don't let anyone in, and don't let anyone notice that I'm gone."

"My lady, where are you going?"

"To get my daughter back."