It turned out Matheu had been invited by Captain Keith, who was his maternal uncle, as Matheu had been staying in Ferrygrove for the past few days due to work-related matters.
The men conversed about court affairs and council matters while the women spoke of the usual subjects noble ladies occupied themselves with.
Elain answered whenever Lady Noreen addressed her, though she did not initiate any conversation herself.
"I heard you joined Lady Lucresia's art club, Lady Elain."
Elain nearly choked on the small piece of cherry she had just eaten when she suddenly heard Matheu address her.
She did not miss the hint of familiarity in his tone, unlike the polite distance he maintained while speaking to Rory.
And if she noticed it, then surely Cynthia had as well.
The realization made Elain suddenly conscious of every movement she made.
It was not only her aunt. Rory was looking at her too, her expression clearly asking, What did I miss?
