Nina & Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia hesitated momentarily at the woman’s reply. It was so unexpectedly honest! She agreed wholeheartedly, of course she did, but for someone to say it outright was unusual, at least in the social circles she moved in. Under other circumstances she might have been slightly concerned, but here and now? It was very welcome. She visibly relaxed a little, brushing a hand over her skirt.
‘I do understand,’ she replied, softly. ‘This is not truly-’ another brief pause, ‘-the kind of social event I am used to. Certainly not the kind that I would plan myself. Except that one doesn’t want to be seen to snub the new councilmen.’ She smiled again, half-teasing. Cassiopeia wasn’t worried in the least about how she appeared to the council, but she was aware of her own status in town. Having a little influence necessitated playing along with this sort of thing.
Glancing over the woman again, Cassiopeia extended her hand. ‘I don’t believe I’ve seen you at one of these before,’ she remarked. ‘I am Cassiopeia Black, from London.’ It had been months, but she still wasn’t ready to say from Everdale as if it were final.