"I hardly know where to begin," Alethea said, smiling.
"We want to hear every last detail," Daphne declared. "Is the Duke treating you well? Has he bought you jewels and dresses?"
Alethea shook her head in amusement. Trust Daphne to cut straight to the most romantic possibilities.
"One question at a time, please. His Grace has been…" She paused, a soft smile playing on her lips. "As I have said before, I could not have asked for a more considerate husband."
Joyce's shoulders visibly relaxed at these words. Daphne clapped her hands.
"I just knew it. I told Joyce that Duke or not, any man who would step up to marry our Alethea to save her reputation must be a good soul at heart," Daphne's eyes sparkled. "Though I suspect, sister, that there is more between you and His Grace than mere obligation, hm?"
"Daphne…" Alethea felt another blush creeping up her neck.
"Don't tease her so. It's hardly fair," Joyce jumped in, much to Alethea's relief.
"I have news, actually," Alethea cleared her throat, hoping to divert the attention away from her romantic life. "A plan I wished to share with you both."
This successfully captured their attention. She set down her teacup and straightened her shoulders.
"I intend to host a ball at Redhaven."
"A ball? Truly?" Daphne seemed delighted.
"So soon? You and Oliver have only been married a month, and you've already a mind to throw a grand event?" Joyce's eyes widened in surprise.
Alethea nodded, her enthusiasm growing as she voiced the idea.
"It will be a small ball with just family and friends in attendance, nothing too overwhelming. I thought… well, I thought it would be a lovely way to bring everyone together," she explained.
It was something that Alethea had been planning in her mind for a while now.
Daphne let out a squeal and threw her arms around Alethea again.
"Oh, what a marvelous idea! We shall help in every way we can. I can already think of a dozen things."
"I hoped you'd say that," Alethea laughed, delighted by her sister's immediate willingness. "I've never organized a ball before, and I could dearly use your expertise."
"Consider it done!" Daphne pronounced. "We'll need to decide on a date, perhaps, coordinate with your housekeeper at Redhaven… Oh, it will be such fun! I'll write to some of our friends for help with the floral arrangements."
But Joyce did not seem to be so enthused.
"It sounds as if this will be quite the reunion."
"That is my hope," Alethea said warmly. It only occurred to her later that reunion implied that Theodore would be present as well.
Alethea did not have the chance to dwell over the thought much longer, however, as Daphne kept her firmly engaged with all the plans for the ball. It was only when Daphne disappeared to get her notebook when Alethea had a chance to speak to Joyce again.
Rather, it was the other way round, as Joyce took this moment to speak to her.
"You are rather excited by this ball," she nodded.
"I am only settling into my role at the estate," Alethea replied.
Joyce started, then forced a reassuring smile. "I'm so relieved you are happy, dearest. I prayed every night that Oliver would be good to you. Seeing you now, I can set that fear aside. After all, this was all my fault. I should have never danced with Theodore. This all started with that."
Alethea squeezed her sister's hand. Joyce had not spoken so candidly about the matter before, and Alethea knew that she must handle the situation with grace.
"You needn't have worried. I am happier than I ever expected to be." She hesitated, then spoke from her heart. "In fact, I think I may be falling in love with him."
