Gatheringwas perhaps too dignified a word. It was more of a chaotic, affectionate, and occasionally scandalous meeting of young women who had decided that Society’s rules were merely suggestions.
Today, however, they had promised to behave.
Mostly.
Theodora stopped pacing. “It is nearly half past. If she were coming, she would be here by now.”
Anna gasped suddenly. “I hear a carriage!”
Theodora spun so quickly she nearly tripped over herself.
“Is that her?” Anna pointed dramatically towards the window.
Evelina did not bother to rise. “Of course it is her. Who else would it be?”
Theodora’s heart thudded, she felt nervous about introducing Rosalind to the ladies.
Anna got up slowly and waddled to the window where she pressed her face to the glass. “It is her! I see her bonnet! Oh, thank heavens—she actually came! I cannot wait to meet her.”
“She is beautiful!” Maria exclaimed.
Relief washed over Theodora so swiftly she felt momentarily lightheaded. How could she have doubted her friends and her sister? After all, they madeherfeel welcome and she was an outcast in Society too.
Evelina’s footman guided Rosalind to the foyer while Theodora smoothed her skirts, pushed a stray curl behind her ear, and tried to compose herself.
The sound of their footsteps echoed down the hall.
Anna squealed and Maria immediately went to check on her cakes.
Evelina grinned. “Ladies, remember that we do have to try to behave.”
“I make no promises!” Anna winked. “But I believe I should help Maria with the cakes.” Anna scurried away to the patio.
Theodora and Evelina moved towards the foyer and met Rosalind.
“Rosalind! I am so glad that you made it to our gathering,” Theodora said warmly.
Rosalind curtsied and said softly, “I am sorry that I did not write back.”
She looked small standing there on the threshold. She was wrapped in a pale blue cloak, and her gloved hands were clasped tightly in front of her. Her eyes flicked nervously between Theodora and Evelina, as though she feared she might be turned away. Theodora’s heart softened instantly.
“Oh, do not worry about that. Please come in and make yourself at home!” Evelina said brightly as she gestured for them to follow her.
Rosalind’s shoulders relaxed a fraction. “I… I hope I am not intruding.”
“Not at all!” Anna cried from the patio, darting forward and nearly knocking Theodora aside. “Rosalind, I am Anna. My husband, Spencer, is your brother’s good friend. We have been waiting for you! Evelina said you would come, and Theo said you might not, and I said you absolutely would because you seem like someone who keeps her promises?—”
“Anna,” Evelina cut her off, “let the poor girl breathe.”
Rosalind gave a small, shy smile. “It is quite all right.”
Theodora offered her arm. “Come to the patio. We have prepared so much for you.”
Theodora stepped outside with Rosalind in tow, and she noticed the way the young lady’s stiff body slowly loosened as she looked around.
Evelina walked gracefully next to them. “Lady Rosalind. I must say that we are truly delighted you have joined us today.”
Rosalind dipped her head. “Thank you for inviting me, Lady Thornwall. It is an honor. I have heard so much about theCorset Chronicles.”
