Chapter 1115

• Once Victoria's initial haughtiness had dissipated, the girls got on well. Conscious of the gulf in status between them, they did however feel a connection. This may only have been their shared history, their lives that had briefly and superficially touched when they were both in Rothsmere, but they genuinely enjoyed each others company, and Mary promised to return later in the week for dinner. Victoria, still intrigued by Mary's behaviour in the Park was determined to find out more about the girl.
• The day of the dinner invitation had arrived; Mary had spent the intervening days looking for a suitable outfit. She had decided on a dress of pale-pink velvet and silk, the colour suiting her complexion. A heavier wrap, trimmed with pale rabbit fur, accompanied the dress. She wore her hair simply, a loose twist pinned into place, with tendrils floating at the sides of her face, framing her beauty. She was nervous, and knew that this was because Victoria was the daughter of the Baron, a connection to the place that she missed so dreadfully. Victoria was so like him in her tone and her expressions, so much so that Mary found herself drawn to the younger woman.
• She was surprised to find that she was the only guest; the table had been set intimately for two, and Victoria plied her with fine wines and delicious food. Mary was unused to drinking. Beyond a glass of sherry at Christmas time in the House she didn't touch it, and soon found herself drifting deliciously, her head spinning.