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Dorothy’s face softened as she read. “Oh, my sweet, sweet girl.”

Victoria tilted her head, watching as Dorothy’s expression turned wistful.

“She is well,” Dorothy murmured. “Her pregnancy is going smoothly, and Frederick dotes on her as he should. She says she is happy—truly happy.”

“Then all is right with the world.” Victoria smiled.

Dorothy nodded, but her eyes grew distant. She traced the edge of the paper with gentle fingers, lost in thought.

“It feels like only yesterday when she was a child in my arms. And now…” She let out a small laugh. “Now, she will be a mother herself.”

Victoria squeezed her hand. Dorothy squeezed back.

“And she will be a wonderful mother.”

Dorothy sighed, shaking her head fondly. “She is so lucky that she met a man like Frederick. Love matches are so rare.” There was something in her voice.

Victoria hesitated. She knew that Dorothy’s marriage had been one of duty, not love. Still, Dorothy rarely spoke about it.

“My husband was not a bad man,” Dorothy continued. “He was just a man of duty and valued propriety.”

“Reminds of someone.” Victoria rolled her eyes.

“Stephen was raised to be the heir, and when his father got sick, he had to take on the mantle of Duke at such a young age.”

Victoria nodded. She, too, was an orphan, having lost both parents. Imagine having to manage an estate and a seat in the House of Lords.

“Well,” she said lightly, “that doesn’t mean he must be so… insufferably stiff.”

“He does take his duties seriously.” Dorothy grinned.

“Well, Annabelle is happy, and soon her happiness will be complete. I can’t wait to spoil her child the same way I spoil my niece and nephew. And the baby is lucky to have the sweetest grandmother.”

Dorothy smiled and took Victoria’s hands in her own. They looked at each other with so much warmth.

Funny how life works sometimes. How it brings together people who need each other, even if they are not really family.

Both women had been so lonely, but they had bonded as soon as they had met.

“Thank you so much, Victoria.”

“Do not thank me for telling the truth. You will truly be the best grandmother ever.”

“No, not about that. About being here, being my friend and a true companion.”

Victoria squeezed her hands. “I need to thank you for being my friend when I was lost and lonely. I was lucky to find the only other mischievous woman in the ton.” She laughed.

“You remind me so much of my younger self. Will you allow me to give you a piece of advice?”

“Of course.”

“Never change. Not for the ton, not for a man, not for anyone. You are amazing exactly how you are. Do not dim your light for anyone.”

Victoria almost cried. In her short life, many things had changed for her. From being the daughter of a prominent rich family to having that wealth lost to being an orphan, then the sister of a duke and member of the ton.

Everything had happened so fast, without her having any agency, any control. But she was not going to complain. She was comfortable and secure. Some nobles were reluctant to accept both her lowly origin and her outspoken, rebellious nature, but she had found good friends who loved her exactly like she was.

“You don’t have to worry,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears. “I wouldn’t even dream of changing for anyone.”