She started at the voice behind her and turned to find that the Duchess of Roseford had entered the room. Katherine had a bright smile on her face, one of kindness and welcome.
“Were you looking for me?” Aurora asked as she shoved to her feet and nearly tipped her half-empty cup of tea onto the fine rug beneath her feet.
Katherine lunged to help right the cup, and her musical laughter filled the chamber and put Aurora at ease. It seemed in the duchess’s nature to do that. It was much appreciated. “I was going to ask you to come have tea with the other ladies. Though it seems you got a head start.”
Aurora shifted with a little discomfort. “I wasn’t even thinking. But I’ll always have room for more tea, I assure you, if you’ll still have me.”
Katherine took the cup and set it down on the sideboard, then linked arms with Aurora. “I’m pleased to have you. We’re in my private drawing room today.”
They strolled down the hall together, arm in arm, and Aurora let the worrisome thoughts of Nicholas fade to the background where they were just a light pulse, not a heavy drum. She was so enjoying her time here. She refused to let anything ruin it.
“Are you excited about the ball tonight?” Katherine asked.
Aurora staggered slightly and might have deposited herself on the floor had Katherine not steadied her. Heat flooded her cheeks and she sent a glance to her hostess. “I suppose that answers your question.”
Katherine stopped walking and faced her, the kindest expression on her lovely face. “It is natural to be nervous. This is the first ball you’ll be attending since…”
Aurora bent her head. “Since I was caught in that brothel, yes. And it’s almost the first since the death of my husband just over a year ago. I had a few invitations just after my mourning period ended, but they obviously vanished after I went looking for Imogen.” She shifted. “Have you heard anything from your friends in the War Department?”
Katherine’s expression was troubled. “I had a letter today, but there are no substantive updates. They continue to search for Imogen and have a few leads.”
Aurora fought back the tears that suddenly pricked her eyes. “And here I am getting nervous over a ball while she is enduring God knows what.”
Katherine’s brow wrinkled. “My dear, you are allowed to be worried or anxious about your own life even as you keep Imogen in your thoughts. We can contain multitudes, you know. And pain is not a competition where somehow none but the person suffering most is allowed.”
“Th-thank you.”
“You’re worried about the ball,” Katherine said.
“I’m looking forward to the ball,” Aurora corrected. “I did always love to dance. But I’m more worried about the…the attendees.”
“The strangers, I hope you mean. No one in our party has been unkind to you.”
“Of course the strangers!” Aurora agreed. “I’m very comfortable here. The ladies are very kind, the gentlemen, as well. Even…”
She trailed off, for she didn’t think it wise to open up the subject of Nicholas to this woman. Katherine had been very kindly dancing around it. The only attendee who seemed to acknowledge it at all was Nicholas’s sister, Selina. She sometimes watched Aurora a bit too closely. Protectively, which he deserved.
“I assure you, my dear, you will be surrounded by friends who will make their full-throated support of you very clear,” Katherine said.
“Thank you again.” Some of the tension left Aurora’s body and she sagged briefly. “I do appreciate your continued kindness, especially after the way my arrival to the party played out.”
“Nicholas, you mean,” Katherine said softly.
Aurora worried her lip. Well, there was that subject, dragged forward at last. She nodded. “I’m sure you must have many doubts about me, so your acceptance and help is even more appreciated.”
“Not doubts,” Katherine said. “Questions, perhaps, but never doubts.” She sighed, and for a moment her gaze went faraway. “Life is complicated, my dear. Love is more so. And I watch you two at our little party, I see you navigating those complexities.”
Aurora bent her head. Sometimes it felt like all she was doing was treading water when it came to Nicholas. “Those waters are…they’re very deep, you know.”
“But they’re manageable, I think. If you work hard enough at it.”
Aurora drew back. Was this woman encouraging her when it came to Nicholas? Even when he made it so clear he had mixed emotions about her at best? When their past was so muddy she could scarcely see a foot in front of her?
“I hope you’ll find a way,” Katherine finished.
“Wh-why?” Aurora whispered.
“Because when he looks at you, it’s clear this is not finished,” Katherine said. “I know a little about that. You both deserve a period at the end of the sentence of your past. And a new sentence going forward if you’d like it.”
