“Yes?”
Scarlett was supposed to be focused on Tilly—but she had been daydreaming and gazing, almost morosely, she was sure, out the window.
“You seem distracted,” Tilly said, her expression pensive.“Is everything all right?”
“Of course,” Scarlett said, smiling.“I was only thinking of how much is about to change.”
Tilly had yet to tell her she was engaged to George, which continued to surprise Scarlett.
“What do you mean?”Tilly said, looking away from her and back to the glass.
“Well, the house party is almost at an end.You’ll be engaged to George soon, I should expect.Then there will be a wedding to plan.”
“Yes, of course.It will be a big change,” Tilly said, without much feeling.
She looked at herself in the glass and frowned, then moved to smooth her hair afresh.
“We have always lived together, Tilly.It will be a big change for me as well as you.”
Scarlett knew she shouldn’t say such things.In all of their years together as sisters, Scarlett had always been the responsible older sister, the one guiding and prioritizing Tilly, and she didn’t make herself or her own feelings the younger girl’s concern.But given the large change that was to come to their relationship, Scarlett couldn’t let it go unacknowledged—that her life was about to take a turn as well.
“I am sorry to leave you with Mother,” Tilly said softly.“It doesn’t seem fair.”
“Oh, that’s not what I meant.”
Tilly made a sour little face, which Scarlett had only ever seen her direct at Mrs.Perkins.It was the kind of face that one could only make regarding one’s parent.
“She is so quarrelsome—and judgmental,” Tilly said.“I love her, of course, but she doesn’t always make for the best companion.”
“Vera suits me very well as a companion.I just meant that I’ll miss you, Tilly,” Scarlett said.“We’ve never been apart.”
Tilly nodded.“I know.”
There was no denying it.Her sister was acting a bit strange.Usually, Tilly’s emotions were irrepressible, both the good and the bad.And Scarlett knew she must feel some genuine sadness at the prospect of parting from her.But she seemed muted, as if communicating with her from a distance.
Her sister turned back to the glass.
“I need my sash.I think the housekeeper should be done ironing it by now—I’ll go retrieve it.”
“No, please, let me.You stay here and rest before the party.You’ll be dancing all the night, and you’ll need your strength.”
Her sister nodded wanly, and Scarlett bustled from the room.
She was concerned for her sister, although perhaps not as concerned as she would be if she did not have her own affairs occupying her mind.However, she had to admit that a change in attitude on her sister’s part was not, perhaps, the most surprising turn of events.She was on the precipice of the most monumental decision a young lady could make.It wasn’t shocking that she would be contemplative.
And yet she was not convinced that was the bottom of the matter.
She was lost in these thoughts as she walked down the back staircase of the house.As she rounded the last, she nearly collided withhim.
Malcolm.
They were totally alone.No one else was in this particular hallway, which led out to one of the common areas.
“Good evening.”A smile that made her feel dangerous things curled onto his face.
He was already in his ball finery.Even though for gentlemen, evening wear wasn’t that different than for balls, she could still see he had dressed a cut above his usual dinner suit.
“You find yourself more prepared for the ball than me—I haven’t yet dressed.”
