The air filled with the delicate scent of blooming flowers and the gentle clinking of porcelain teacups as the group sat in the tranquil ambiance of the greenhouse.
Elizabeth glanced at her cousin. "So, Liliana, who will be your escort to the Grand Ball?" she inquired, trying to fill the silence.
Liliana's expression remained unreadable as she glanced down at her plate, utensils delicately picking on the food. "I will not be attending with anyone," she replied softly, her tone devoid of emotion.
Elizabeth's brows furrowed slightly at Liliana's response. "But, my dear cousin, you must have someone to accompany you," she insisted. "You declined to have an escort during your debut. Now, that the Grand Ball is approaching, it would be improper for you to attend alone."
Liliana fixed her attention on the food, not raising her gaze to her cousin as she continued eating. "I have no one in mind to accompany me," she soon admitted.
