Work Text:
Olivia returned from the Imperial wedding covered in groats, with a groundcar waiting outside. As she raced upstairs for her bag, she met her mother on the landing.
Olivia steeled her shoulders. “We’re going back to Vorrutyer House. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” A glance at the clock. “Tomorrow afternoon, belike.”
“Olivia. Is that proper?”
“Mother, I’ve stayed there a dozen times, before.” Before betrothal.
“Yes, but you and Donna weren’t...”
Pause.
“Do you think anything was different back then?”
“Well, you were close friends, and...” Drou’s hands fluttered, then stilled. She trailed off in dismay.
“We’ll be at Vorrutyer House.”
“That’s fine, dear.”