Lady Octavia's face turned pale, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something else.
But Madam Heath didn't give her a chance to speak; instead, she warned angrily, "If you ruin my grandson's good marriage prospects, don't blame me for not showing you mercy. Do you really think because you have been Lady Octavia for decades, your position in this house is secured, and nobody can do anything to you?"
"I'm still alive, and it's me, this old woman, who's in charge of the family. I've let go of past injustices, giving you one chance, giving you some respect. But if you continue with your antics, don't say I didn't respect you, the mistress of the Heath family."
Lady Octavia has always been afraid of Madam Heath.
Now that Madam Heath had roared at her, she was too scared to utter a word.
Her feelings at the moment were a mix of anger, fear, grievance, and humiliation.
Madam Heath rebuking her harshly in front of the servants has caused her great embarrassment.