Once Sophia was removed from the table it was easier for the women to relax though Emma tried too hard to get too close to Alessandra. Hazel was able to witness Alessandra's kindness when she invited a young woman named Heather who had been an outcast because she stopped listening to one of the social queens in town who happened to be Edgar's mother.
Hazel found Alessandra to be the most mature once more as she had welcomed a woman who once tried to court Edgar to sit beside her. Hazel couldn't see herself doing it. Not now or in the future.
The arrival of a maid brought the announcement that the women were now free to leave the room and roam the palace.
Hazel looked forward to having a more private conversation with Alessandra, Eleanor, and Heather. She, unfortunately, looked Emma's way and found the young woman pleading with her eyes to be able to join the group. "Finally, we do not need to be cooped up at this table. Alessandra, Eleanor, Heather, and Emma."
