Valerie heard them.
She always heard such things.
Yet she smiled calm, composed.
A young lady with a thin smile stepped forward. Her hair was styled high, her eyes sweeping Valerie from head to toe.
"Lady Valerie, is it?" she asked, her voice sweet but unmistakably testing. "I am Lady Elswyn of the northeastern territory."
Valerie dipped into a light, flawless bow.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elswyn. Thank you for honoring this modest tea invitation."
Elswyn's smile grew sharper.
"An… interesting invitation. Considering this is not an event usually hosted by—"
she paused briefly,
"—a Duke's woman."
Several ladies subtly leaned in.
Rowena, standing some distance away, held her breath.
Mirabel observed without expression.
Valerie did not answer at once. She lifted her teacup, took a slow sip, then raised her gaze with a polite smile.
"That is true," she said gently.
"This is not the sort of gathering usually hosted by a wife."
She met Elswyn's eyes directly.
