When Delia appeared in the parlor doorway 30 seconds later and took in the scene, her expression didn't change. She looked at the candlestick. She looked at the vase. She sat down across from them. He is leaving, Delia said.
We know. Tilda said. Mother is going to be extremely conflicted. Delia said. She resents what Mirabelle did at breakfast.
She also very much wanted one of us to be duchess. She looked at Nora. I think she is currently in her room deciding which of those feelings is stronger. Nora set down the candlestick. What happens tonight?
Delia asked. He wants to speak to me properly. Nora said. Delia looked at her for a moment with her clear, cool, practical eyes. Then wear something that is not ivory, she said.
You have worn the same dress for 3 days. I do not have anything else. Delia stood. I have a deep gold evening dress that I have never worn because mother bought it and then decided it was too much for Ketmore. She looked at Nora briefly.
It will need to be taken in at the waist. You have 40 minutes. She walked out. Tilda looked at Nora. Nora looked at the door Delia had just walked through.
The Farrow women, Tilda said with the tone of someone documenting a personal revelation, are deeply strange. Yes, Nora agreed. But they are ours. She stood and followed Delia upstairs. That evening, the drawing room after dinner was quieter than it had been all week.