Ruth and Cora hadn't known each other for long yet something about Ruth's timid and soft-spoken nature drew Cora closer to her. Despite the fact that Cora was in the middle of carrying out her own revenge, she couldn't help but soften whenever Ruth was around. Ruth reminded her of her younger brother—quiet, obedient and gentle, always following orders without complaint.
Cora had never once seen her lose her temper, not even when the other maids bullied or mocked her. Instead of fighting back, Ruth would simply lower her head, bite her lip and cry in silence when no one was looking.
Still, because of her revenge plan, Cora had to keep her emotions in check. She couldn't afford to choose sides or show favoritism—not to Ruth, nor to the others. She needed to maintain her role, act like an older sister to everyone, someone who could scold, discipline and befriend them all at once. That was the safest way to move without drawing suspicion.
