"How could anyone be so foolish as to attend a tea party after all the rumors that have been swirling around?" a lady says, sipping her tea. The other women in the room nods in agreement, casting furtive glances in the direction of the Marchioness.
The Marchioness who organizes the party herself is oblivious to the gossip, engrosses in conversation with the other ladies. She is completely unaware that Beatrice is the subject of their whispers.
Suddenly, Beatrice speaks up. "What do you mean? I am enjoying the company of these wonderful women and I don't know what rumors you're talking about," she says, feigning innocence. "Perhaps you're confusing me with someone else?"
The room goes silent, and the other women looks at each other with a mixture of shock and amusement.
