"It would be my pleasure," said Toria softly. She came inside and looked over to Elia sitting on the divan.
"She's lucky to have someone like you to stay around her," she added genuinely. With a faint smile, she remarked, "Men often think that a distraught lady simply needs to be fiercely protected. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to understand needs for companionship, and various soothing comforts."
She pulled a chair up near the divan Elia was sitting on. "I'll stay until you return."
Toria wanted to mention that she didn't think her aunt would deliberately have shot at Elia, but this wasn't the time. Perhaps she'd wait until her friend was doing better and then arrange for something social involving Elia and her aunt. If nothing else, it would be for show, and so that they'd have the chance to discuss it and clear any doubts of Lyanora's intentions. Her aunt was capable of being dangerous, but Lyanora wasn't underhanded or malicious.