“Bernadette! So good to see you. It feels like years.”
Bernadette smiled at the slight exaggeration, hugging her friend close.
“It does feel like that,” she agreed. It did. In the last few days, so much had happened that she didn’t feel like the same person. She wasn’t the same person, she realized slowly as she stepped back and went to the table where Mr. Hadley was arranging the tea-things. She was confident and trusted herself more than she ever had before.
Or she had, before the scandal sheets.
She pushed the thought away. She was not going to let that trouble her. She would not let it.
“Gertrude said she saw you in Hyde Park,” Viola commented. She made a face. “Not that I like to listen to gossip,” she added. “But, was it pleasant?” Her gaze probed without being rude.
Bernadette grinned. “It was very nice,” she said.
Viola smiled back, looking a little surprised. “He’s not cold and scary?” she asked, seeming as though she could barely believe Lord Blackburne was anywhere close to friendly.
“Not at all,” Bernadette said, warmth like honey flowing through her heart as she spoke.
“Well, then.” Viola grinned, clearly pleased. She helped herself to tea, stirring it thoughtfully.
“Well, what?” Bernadette asked, seeing Viola’s thoughtful gaze watching her as they drank.
“Well?” Viola asked teasingly. “What is he like?”
Bernadette giggled. “He...he is pleasant,” she murmured, blood rushing to her cheeks in a flush. “Most personable.”
“Personable?” Viola chuckled.
Bernadette nodded. “Quite so,” she said with a small, prim smile.
“Bernadette...” Viola giggled. “What is he really like?”
“He’s pleasant,” she repeated, not sure why she did not wish to say more. “He is very interesting.”
“Oh! Interesting, is he?” Viola teased. “That’s better.”
“Viola...” Bernadette flapped her hand at her, trying to makeher stop. She was blushing hotly.
“Sorry,” Viola said with a smile. “Forgive my teasing.”
“Forgiven,” Bernadette murmured, smiling shyly.
Viola beamed. They sat for a few moments, sipping tea and helping themselves to Madeira loaf.
“And you?” Bernadette asked. Viola smiled.
“Nothing,” she said slowly. “Just thinking about the ball that I went to the previous night.”
“And?” Bernadette asked, recognizing that dreamy expression. She had caught it on her own face a few times in the last few days. “And who was there?” she asked playfully.
“Nobody,” Viola said primly. “Well, nobody and a very handsome captain of a regiment stationed here.”
“Oh!” Bernadette giggled, almost spilling her tea. “I see. Is he handsome?” she asked inquiringly.
“Assuredly.” Viola went red.
Bernadette chuckled aloud and Viola blushed deeper.
Bernadette was still smiling as she helped herself to another small slice of Madeira loaf.
