"No," Maggie replied.
"No?"
Isabella swallowed hard.
"No," Maggie repeated, her jaw firming in defiance.
"Maggie, dear, please don't make it difficult for me. You know that I don't want to do this at all," Isabella pleaded.
"Then please go back to the Duchess and tell her that she is welcome to collect the proof herself, preferably when Percy is here to welcome her."
Maggie shook her head in disbelief.
"I know that I might be a farmer's daughter by blood, Isabella, but Percy and I are married. I am now the Marchioness of Canterbury, like it or not. I will not be undermined in my own house."
"Maggie, no one is trying to undermine you."
"No? Then why would your mother ask for proof of consummation? It is highly inappropriate, no matter how you see it. Did your mother or mother-in-law ask for similar proof from you when you got married?"
"No, of course not. Goodness."
