Lorraine's eyes landed on Aralyn as the maid tried to stop her from entering the drawing room. Lorraine offered a quiet nod, and the maid returned a small, tentative smile before exiting the room, her steps light yet uncertain.
Sylvia rose gracefully, moving to guide Aralyn toward the sofa. She helped the woman settle into the soft cushions, then returned to her own seat. Aralyn's gaze lingering on Lorraine with a gentle curiosity.
Lorraine blinked, momentarily uncertain of what to think of Aralyn's expression.
"Are your accommodations acceptable?" she signed, her words measured, spoken more to fill the awkward silence than to elicit a precise answer.
Aralyn stared at her, as though Lorraine had sprouted horns, eyes wide with disbelief or mistrust.
