Helena Wells-Quinzel is H.G. Wells (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} indelibleink) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} makebelievelog, |
"All intriguing topics to be involved with." Even now, Helena was still a bit in awe that dragons actually existed in this world. "Have you found genetic anomalies in dragons?" Genetics was an area of interest to Helena. While her understanding of the science may be a century out-of-date, she had a firm grasp of the basics of the science. After all, she'd done research when she'd written The Island of Doctor Moreau. It was also an area of science where Helena could sit and read on the topic for hours and not become bored of it.
The joke, while unexpected, was not unwelcome. Though Helena knew it was undoubtedly brought about by the tension in the air. Which was coming solely from Helena's side, it wasn't Gwen's fault at all.
"Do not apologize, though I should certainly remember that one." There was a brief hint of amusement in her voice, but it didn't last. Helena should probably say something to ease the tension, to let Gwen know why she wasn't as jovial as she typically was. But what would be the better thing to share first, that her fiancé had been sent back home or that it was her deceased daughter's birthday?
"If anyone should apologize it is me. I have not had the best of weeks." She paused long enough to take a steadying breath. "Today is my daughter's birthday." Might as well start with that and work her way up. And for the life of her, in that moment Helena couldn't remember if she'd told Gwen before about having a daughter or her death. Either way, she was about to find out.