Ophelia stood back as Dante walked Alistair outside. She didn't want to miss the moment she was waiting for.
"Lady Hastings, might I have a word with you?" Victoria asked, coming to a stop beside Ophelia.
"You may," Ophelia replied, her gaze still on the two men. "Did your talk go well?"
"It didn't go as I wanted, but it is the most I have spoken to him since my father died, so it is a start. I was thinking of your family. Do you write to them often?" Victoria asked, hoping Ophelia's being distracted would reveal the truth.
"Why would I? You have seen that I am not close to the Valthorns. Why would I bother myself by writing to them? I would only write to my brother, but it isn't possible," said Ophelia.
Victoria was startled by a noise outside. "What was that?"
