It was in this moment of perfect, triumphant joy that a sharp, heavy knock came on the front door.
"Who's that?" Mrs. Pembroke asked, her brow furrowing. They weren't expecting anyone else.
"It must be the neighbors," Evelin replied with a casual shrug. "Probably wanting to borrow some sugar again." She pushed her chair back, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "Let me check."
She left the dining room, and Mrs. Pembroke turned her attention back to their guest of honor, her smile warm and genuine. She poured more stew into Victoria's plate. "You must eat more, my dear," she insisted.
Victoria replied with a gracious smile, "Thank you, Mother, but I couldn't possibly…"
Her words were cut off by a loud, angry bang as the front door was slammed shut. Evelin's voice, sharp and furious, carried from the entrance.
"What are you doing here, Anne? Where in the world do you think you are going?"
