When Alina walked into the east garden, the next day, she found the table covered with fabric again. There were no rumour notes or witness statements on them anymore. The workshop had quietly returned to its real purpose.
The women were already working. No one spoke about the rumors. Evelyn brought Alina a cup of tea before she even sat down.
"You skipped breakfast again," she said.
"I ate."
"Half a slice of bread isn't eating." Evelyn pushed the warm cup into her hands.
It was her special blend with chamomile. Alina took a sip and warmth spread through her chest instantly.
Marguerite looked up from the collar pattern she was marking and spoke.
"Should the reinforcement point on the new batch be half inch higher or standard?"
"Half inch higher," Alina answered.
"Got it."
Alina finished her tea, picked up her needle and began stitching.
Lady Talbot was right. The whispers may be there but the work is what matters.
