Back at the Tompkins mansion, Eloise drifted away from Viola's peers as the gathering settled into quieter conversation.
Rosalie and Iris soon joined her, while Jane remained behind, excitedly speaking about her hopes for her season in the future.
"Most of the ladies were pleasant," Iris said, lowering her voice. "But others tried to pry too much, as though we were close friends."
"I noticed it as well," Eloise replied, her brow furrowing. "They are not as bad as some ladies I have met, yet I am not ready to share details of my marriage with women I only met today."
Eloise looked back for a brief moment. "And then came the questions about when I will have a child, and why I must do it quickly unless I want to lose my husband. It unsettled me."
