Rosamund
The conversation flowed with the practised rhythm of women who had been navigating these waters their entire lives. The Queen set the tone, warm, informal, occasionally sharp, and the talk moved from the chandelier incident, which Vivienne described with dramatic relish despite having apparently been nowhere near it, to the season's upcoming events, to the marriages and alliances and feuds simmering between families.
No one bombarded me with questions, contrary to what Jennifer had warned. None of the women spoke ill of anyone, at least not directly. The gossip was wrapped in layers of politeness so thick you had to listen carefully to find the knife inside the compliment. I'd worried for nothing.
