"We need new threads," Marguerite said at the sewing circle. "Also Lady Brennan has been using the same needle for a month. At this point, she is basically punching holes in the fabric."
Lady Brennan lifted her needle in defence. Its condition was indeed tragic.
"Let's go to the market together," Lady Talbot said.
Excitement spread through the circle. Marguerite clapped while Lady Brennan smiled wider than Alina had ever seen. Even Lady Talbot looked happy at the idea of going to market just for shopping instead of intelligence purposes.
"I'll ask His Grace," Alina said.
The excitement vanished. Alina couldn't walk out of the castle gates without the duke's permission. No one said anything because they understood.
Later, she went to Austin's study. He was at his desk reading something.
"I need permission to leave the castle grounds," she said, stepping inside.
"Where?"
"The market with the sewing circle."
