Circe barely had a moment to recover from her reaction before Elara nudged her elbow lightly.
"Don't stare too long," she warned in a playful whisper. "Lady Cecilia can sense judgment from anywhere and she never appreciates it."
"Especially when she isn't the one giving it," Mina added primly. It was a good thing that no one else sat at the table with them.
Circe bit back a smile and lifted her cup to her lips. "Noted."
Before Mina could launch into another whispered thread of gossip, the soft footsteps approached the table in front of theirs. A maid dipped into a graceful curtsey, her hands clasped neatly in front of her.
"Ladies," she said softly, "Lord Heinrey wishes to remind everyone that the archery demonstration will begin shortly."
Heinrey was the owner of the property and Elara's husband.
The faces of the women seated at the nearby table brightened instantly.
