Alina tried not to think much about the tea party with Audrey.
They asked me to share what I knew about him, and I did. If Audrey didn't know, that was between them.
The thought settled uneasily in her mind, but she pushed it aside.
The next morning, the castle was alive with a different kind of energy. Alina learned that an important delegation was arriving at Ravenmoor and a welcome party had been arranged in their honour.
Alina heard the buzz over breakfast; the whispers, and the excitement. Ladies discussed about their gowns, and accessories, each trying to outshine the other.
Alina paid little attention to it.
I'll sit in my usual place, and watch the spectacle from a distance.
After breakfast, she was walking back towards her room when Austin stopped her in the corridor.
"The welcome party," he said. "You will attend it by my side."
She stared at him in disbelief.
"By your side?"
"Yes."
Her first thought was of Audrey.
"What about Audrey?"
He paused, briefly.
