Kate had hidden in the kitchen, gesturing at her brother to keep quiet. She felt like anything she might do might make the situation worse. If she interacted with Mr. Ward, she might end up insulting him again, and she didn't want her friend to lose permission to talk to her all over. And as for John, he wasn't as bad as he used to be, but he still had a tendency to blurt out what was on his mind and it could rub people the wrong way. Especially people like Benjamin Ward.

She held her breath when she finally heard Anne come down the stairs. She moved closer to the door to be able to see her friend, while staying hidden from Ben. She wanted to be able to be close enough to do something if he raised his hand at her again. Poor Anne looked terrified.

Then her friend suddenly flung herself at her father and spoke affectionately. Kate's jaw dropped in angry surprise.