Just as she composed herself, sat back down in the chair beside Murphy, and even casually picked up the now-lukewarm honey-lemon tea to feign a sip.
The sound of light footsteps came from the end of the garden path, mingled with the clear and cheerful voice of a young girl.
"Annabelle said the blue one would look like a starry sky under the right light, and the silver one shines brighter in the sun, so it took me forever to choose!"
Eleanor's voice grew closer. She was holding the hand of her lady-in-waiting, Annabelle, as they walked toward the pavilion.
The little girl's face was flushed with excitement, her dark eyes sparkling.
Annabelle stopped outside the pavilion, bowed, and silently stepped aside.
