The two ladies followed her.
Lady Sophia was standing near the fireplace when they entered, an envelope in her hand.
Her expression was thoughtful. As soon as they announced their presence, Lady Sophia regained her composure.
"Ah. There you are."
Francesca smiled. "We had a lovely morning, mother."
Lady Sophia glanced towards Penelope with a look, "I am pleased," She said.
There was something about her tone that told Penelope something was amiss, though a part of her already knew.
She gritted her teeth.
Then Lady Sophia looked between them. "How were the gowns?"
"Beautiful," Francesca answered immediately.
Penelope smiled faintly, and her mother nodded. Then she lifted the envelope. "Something arrived while you were gone."
Penelope's attention settled on it. "An invitation?"
"Yes."
Francesca moved closer. "To what?"
Lady Sophia handed her the card. "A small garden gathering."
Francesca's face brightened. "Really?"
She nodded. "At the Ashford residence."
