Rosalind was quiet for a long moment. Her gaze dropped to her teacup, and when she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” she said. “I miss them dearly.”
Theodora felt a pang in her chest. There was fragility in Rosalind’s eyes that made her want to reach across and take her hand.
Evelina spoke gently. “Well, you have new friends now.”
“Friends that will bake your favorite cakes,” Maria added.
“And warn you about the strangest lords,” Anna whispered.
“You have friends who will never leave your side.” Theodora spoke before she could think but she did not regret what she said because it was the truth.
Rosalind looked up, startled.
The ladies nodded vigorously in agreement.
Theodora smiled. “That is…if you will have us.”
Rosalind’s eyes glistened, though she blinked quickly to hide it. “I… I would like that very much.”
Evelina clapped her hands once. “Excellent. Now that we are all friends, we must discuss theimportantmatters.”
Rosalind looked alarmed. “Important matters?”
“Balls,” Anna said solemnly.
“And scandals,” Evelina added.
“And horrid books,” Maria cheered with her cup of tea.
“All the usual stuff women love to talk about,” Theodora finished.
Rosalind laughed again. “I suppose those are important.”
“Oh no, these are vital topics of conversation,” Anna corrected.
Theodora watched Rosalind and the last thing on her mind was her experiments. She reminded herself to throw away the notebook she had about Rosalind’s melancholy.
It is not needed anymore.
As for her notes on Alexander…that was a thought for another time or day.
Maria’s smile widened as she accepted another cup of tea. “Rosalind. Tell us…have you ever danced with anyone?”
Rosalind shook her head. “No. I… I am not particularly good at dancing.”
Anna gasped. “That is impossible.”
“It is true,” Rosalind insisted. “I always stepped on Alexander’s foot when he tried to practice with me.”
Theodora’s heart skipped a beat when she heard his name.
“Then, you simply need a partner who does not mind that,” Evelina said. “Preferably one with sturdy boots.”
Rosalind giggled.
Maria spoke softly. “We shall find you someone charming. Someone kind. Someone who will not care if you step on his foot.”
