"Your marriage seems to be going well. I pray it continues to be good for you," said Viola.
"I hope so too. I told Damien that I don't want to attend too many gatherings. I will go if something is important to him, or if a friend invites me, but otherwise I would rather keep my distance. Is that wrong?" Eloise asked, genuinely wanting Viola's opinion.
"Do what is best for you. I don't think you can truly escape gatherings altogether, but a little distance can be a healthy thing. Others may say you think too highly of yourself, but you mustn't let that trouble you. Do what brings you peace," Viola answered.
"Perhaps I should attend a few to prevent that sort of talk. I must also think ahead to Jane's season. I would like to be the one to escort her when the time comes. Though I wonder if she would prefer Camille," Eloise said, hoping that she would be given the chance. "It may already be planned for their aunt to do it."
"But you want to do it. Why not simply tell Jane that?"
