Jocelynn was laying out the last of the servings when the sound of footsteps and murmured voices reached her from outside. She straightened and moved to stand near the altar, beside the chest she'd brought from home and the small portion of breakfast she'd set out for Ashlynn.
The crowd of people wasn't small, but they all moved slowly, taking soft steps and moving with respectful restraint for the deceased. Captain Devlin held the main doors open, and the four noblewomen entered first, just as propriety demanded.
Lady Charlotte crossed the threshold with her eyes already glistening. Her soft face was tight with the effort of holding herself together, and Lady Adala walked beside her, one hand resting lightly on Charlotte's elbow in a gesture that was both supportive and slightly protective.
