The carriage swayed gently as we made our way toward Lady Lavinia's estate for the afternoon tea gathering. Outside, spring sunshine warmed the countryside, making the fresh greenery almost glow. Inside, my thoughts remained on yesterday's unexpected meeting with Uncle Cyrus.
"Your uncle seemed genuinely changed," Cassian remarked from his seat across from me, as if reading my thoughts. "Not at all like the man people describe from years past."
I smoothed my pale blue dress, considering his words. "People can change when given proper motivation. Perhaps responsibility for Clara will be good for him."
"Or she'll drive him back to drink within a fortnight," Reed muttered from beside Cassian.
I shot him a reproachful look, though I couldn't entirely dismiss the possibility. Clara had a talent for manipulation that rivaled her mother's.
"Either way," I said firmly, "the arrangement relieves me of a burden I have no desire to bear. Alaric was pleased with the solution as well."
