Somewhere in her frightened, angry mind, Shelley knows why Loira will never commit herself to an opinion one way or the other. She is loyal to Ishamael, but her maid, and the conflict of interests means she can't.

But oh, does it ever set her teeth on edge never to be listened to, always ignored when she tries to explain about this.

She walks away from the woman, furiously aware that she really does try to help, but needing to get away, get out for a bit; but of course she can't and ends up walking into the bathroom instead, and pouring a glass of water with a shaking hand, staring down at the smooth stone floor and trying to get a grip on herself.