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It was after dessert and in the parlor, though, that Seraphina was able to reconvene with just her original friends, and discussjusta little gossip of said outside world.

“How is she?” Seraphina asked in their moment of privacy.

Her friends all gave her small smiles that didn’t quite reach their eyes.

“She is…Mary,” Theo sighed.

Seraphina sighed. As he’d intended, Hugo had gone to Mary with his offer, but when she had heard of the restrictions that came with his generosity, she had downright refused. Not just his offer, but also the apology he insisted Mary give Seraphina for her previous behavior.

In Greece, Seraphina had done her best to block her mother from her mind, but the moment she was back in England, the need to know how she was overtook her. She did not like her. Did not want to be near her. But she did want her to be well.

“Tell me more, I am ready,” Seraphina urged.

“We only know the rumors and you know how false they can be,” Amelia stated, her tone hesitant.

“All the same,” Seraphina insisted.

“It is said that she was seen in the streets in a maid’s uniform again, thought to whose house we are not sure,” Rose told her.

“Another is that she is being courted by Simon Bridgegood, the second youngest son to the Viscount of Willsberry,” Amelia provided.

“One rumor that she has become a paramour to Lord Repington,” Ophelia said, giving an apologetic look.

Color rushed into Seraphina’s cheeks as she heard the last rumor.

“You cannot be serious,” she gasped.

“It is only a rumor,” Ophelia said, then grimaced, “Though I did see them together with my own eyes at my uncle’s house in the country. It was truly an odd sight to see.”

Seraphina shook her head, trying her best to disperse such images from her heard.

“You tried your best to help her, darling,” Theo soothed, laying a hand on her arm.

“It is not your fault her stubbornness got in the way of what I think was a very generous opportunity from Hugo.”

“I think I am quite content with ending this subject,” Seraphina said decidedly.

“Theo you are right. Now pray, let us talk of something,anythingelse.”

“Oh, good,” Amelia said excitedly, clapping her hands. “There’s something else I have beendyingto tell you. It was far too salacious for our letters.”

“Oh my,” Seraphina giggled, happy to move on to literally anything else. “Do tell!”

Amelia pressed her lips together as she smiled, then took a quick glance around the parlor before she leaned into their circle.

“Well, I have recently learned aboutparties,”she whispered, then once more threw a quick glance around the room.

Seraphina raised a brow and shared a confused look with her other friends.

“Yes, darling,” she said slowly, “We have all been to parties.”

“No, no,” Amelia insisted, leaning closer, “I speak of a very different, very particular sort of party. Ones that are rather hard to get into. Ones that you have know someone to know someone to get an invitation.”

Amelia wagged her brows and then whispered: “Ones where clothing becomes optional and masks are absolutely required, if you understand my meaning.”

Suddenly she did, and Seraphina leaned closer in excitement as the others understood as well.

“Those are real?” Seraphina asked. “I thought they were just tall tales!”