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It was a ball like any other when Evie Oakley met a woman who would change the entire course of her life. She was stood by the refreshment table, waiting for a dance partner to approach her, when she heard a whisper behind her.
“Don’t look now, but have you seen what Miss Carter is wearing? A train that long, I can hardly believe it hasn’t torn yet.”
Evie looked up to see a woman of about her own age, with soft pink hair and an infectious grin. She smiled and replied, “I heard she’s secretly betrothed to her mother’s secretary.”
The stranger gasped, eyeing Evie approvingly. “Do you think?”
“Well, she certainly isn’t interested in anyone here.” She paused, taking in the fine attire of her new acquaintance. “I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
“No, we haven’t but you looked rather bored all by yourself and I thought you might like some company.” The woman offered Evie her hand. “Lady Baskerville, but, please, do call me Flora.”
“Miss Evie Oakley.” Evie shook her hand lightly. “A pleasure, my lady.”
Lady Baskerville tsked. “Call me Flora, I absolutely insist.”
“Flora, then. Would you like to sit?”
“I would, indeed. Lead the way.”
Flora accompanied Evie to the nearest seats, sitting down right beside her before picking the conversation back up.
“So, who have you come with? A suitor, perhaps?”
Evie laughed, warmed by the easy familiarity. “No, not at all. It is only my sister and her husband. What about you, anyone interesting?”
“Do you know of the Van Zieks’ by any chance?”
“Not much, I’m afraid.”
Flora smirked playfully. “They’re quite a charming little family. Lord van Zieks was kind enough to escort me tonight, he’s a good friend of our hostess.”
Evie nodded. “You know her well then? I fear I’m only here to make up numbers.”
“How could you say such a thing?” Flora was incredulous. “Why, I’ve known you five minutes and I dare say you are the most fascinating person in this room.”
At this, Evie flushed a bright pink. “Thank you, my la-” she cut herself off, remembering her ladyship’s earlier words. “Flora. Thank you, Flora, you’re very kind.”
Flora waved the compliment off. “It is the truth, I assure you.” She paused, scanning the room before looking back to Evie with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Say, give me your dance card.”
Evie tilted her head, raising her brows curiously but handed her card over. She watched as Flora scribbled in names for the remaining dances.
“Perfect,” Flora declared at last, “now we shall be unbothered the rest of the night.” She held Evie’s card back out to her with an amused smile.
Evie’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping ever so slightly as she gingerly took the card.
“Close your mouth, dear. You’ll catch flies,” Flora said lightly. Wordlessly, Evie did so and Flora nodded approvingly. “Now, what shall we talk about?”
The rest of the evening continued in a similar manner, the two women chatting pleasantly until supper. Before parting, Flora pulled a gilded card out from beneath her dress and smiled prettily. “Do call on me soon, dear Evie.”
Evie was helpless to resist, and thus began the truest friendship she ever knew.