She kept playing Dorian's words in her mind again and again. No matter how much she tried to brush the thoughts away they would not leave her alone. Realizing that sitting on the bench wouldn't help, she stood up and decided to go to the sewing circle.
The women fell silent the moment they saw Alina approaching. But when she reached them, most of them smiled at her, though the atmosphere felt different now.
"Lady Alina…" One woman said before correcting herself awkwardly. "Miss Ashworth. It's good to see you back."
"We thought you'd be busy with court matters now."
"You look lovely today."
Alina just nodded with a smile in response. She sat on her usual seat and picked up the fabric and needle.
Two younger girls immediately came and sat opposite her, staring at her starstruck.
"Is it true the duke carried you out of the palace himself?" One of them burst out.
"Lena!" The other one gasped immediately, elbowing her.
"What? I want to know!"
