(Livia)
I looked at Miss Duvall, wondering whether she understood what she was asking me to accept. She had barely introduced herself, yet she was already telling me I needed permission to leave my bedroom. Mr. Collins stood behind her, watching us. I wondered whether Julian had instructed him to remain there until I agreed.
"Are you saying I can't even use the bathroom?"
Miss Duvall glanced at her notebook. "You'll need to inform me whenever you wish to leave."
"The bathroom is down the hallway."
"I'm aware, Mrs. Prescott."
"Then you understand how ridiculous this is."
She closed her notebook and looked at me. I expected her to explain why Julian had introduced such restrictions. Instead, she told me she was simply following her employer's instructions. I wondered whether she knew
