The Hathaways sat across from Eloise on a deep green mahogany sofa, barely glancing her way as she gave her report on Mary's wellbeing. Instead, Lady Hathaway held up a gold bracelet against the firelight.
"My dear Mr. Hathaway, this is a very fine gem," she exclaimed. "My, my, it must have cost a fortune. If I wear this to Lord Edward's ball, every lady will turn heads."
"I'm quite certain they would," Mr. Hathaway replied, adjusting his spectacles as he glanced at a letter Eloise was sure was an invitation to the ball.
"Mary is not... adjusting very well," Eloise said in a low voice. "Perhaps you should visit, Lady Hathaway."
"Oh, perhaps she should learn to adjust to her new environment. What do you think, Mrs. Jenny?"
Mrs. Jenny walked in just as Lady Hathaway turned to her with the question. But before she replied, she glanced at her daughter, who pressed her lips into a thin line.
