The scene quickly regained its previous liveliness.
Yet it was different from before.
Everyone had changed their attitude, gathering around Emma Tonkin and Eve Thompson, uttering pleasant words...
"Mrs. Thompson, your evening dress looks impressive today!"
"Speaking of Elder Tonkin, he was always a figurehead. My elders admired him..."
"The daughter of the Thompson family is really pretty. So blessed!"
Someone suddenly spoke, "Actually, I've always been puzzled about something. Mrs. Thompson, how does Mr. Thompson think? He neglects his beautiful wife at home and seeks an affair outside. An affair should be with someone younger, or at least attractive. How could he be so foolish as to choose Ava White?"
With this remark, the lively chatter ceased.
Everyone fell silent for a moment.
Despite the remark being for Emma's cause, it was indeed a bit over the line.
Emma Tonkin changed the subject: "Have you had dinner yet?"
"..."
