"Mother, it was like a dream."
Sighing, Avaline leaned against the couch. The darkness of the room made her feel drowsy. The warmth from the fireplace had her eyelids drooping. Madam Olivia always liked it warm. Light perspiration clung to her forehead, and Avaline had to keep wiping it away with Lord Nightingale's handkerchief. While she should have returned it along with his coat, she hadn't been able to.
"The way my arm fit against his," she continued, "was perfect. He was so attentive. I didn't even have to say anything. He already knew what to do."
Even after Lady Poppy had arrived, he was always one step ahead. When the children wanted to participate in making paper lanterns for Luna, despite the long line, he had supplies ready for them.
"I wished we had stayed longer."
Snuggling into the cushions, Avaline looked over at the bed. Madam Olivia had dozed off holding her husband's portrait. Stretching, Avaline stood and walked over to her. She unfurled the blanket at the foot of the bed and laid it across her. Her mother couldn't sleep without something covering her.
As she finished, there was a knock, and Lottie entered. The maid bowed.
"Lady Yolanda is downstairs," she announced.
"Thank you."
When Avaline arrived downstairs, she heard Jonna greeting Lady Yolanda.
"Welcome, Lady Vann," Jonna said. "We weren't expecting your visit."
Yolanda stared past him and gave Avaline a look. "Pardon the intrusion."
As Avaline arrived, Jonna gave her a disapproving look. Avaline's smile wavered. They had nothing prepared for guests, but she was sure Yolanda wouldn't mind. Behind her stood Christopher, clutching a book in his arms.
"It's my fault," Avaline rushed to say. "I must have forgotten her appointment in my excitement." She gestured to the hallway. "The twins are in their study with Elaine. Christopher, why don't you join them?"
The timid boy bobbed his head and headed through the foyer. Avaline grabbed Yolanda's arm, and the girls hurried upstairs.
"How's your mother?" she asked once in the drawing room.
"She's . . . about the same," Avaline admitted.
"My mother sent her regards," Yolanda explained. "You know how they used to play cards together. She's sorry she hasn't visited. She's been feeling under the weather lately."
Avaline waved her apology away. "Don't mention it." She cleared her throat. "Is your family's physician knowledgeable about my mother's condition?"
The girls sat.
Yolanda tapped her chin. "I'm not quite certain. I can ask and write you a letter." She folded her arms. "And your brother, he hasn't said anything."
Avaline sighed. "He doesn't share much. He mentioned a facility for Mother, but Vivian is against sending her away. We haven't talked about it since."
"I'm sure he's doing his best."
Avaline nodded.
"So," Yolanda said. She leaned closer. "Tell me everything. How was the festival?"
As Avaline talked, Yolanda didn't say a word. When she finished, Yolanda stared at her from her spot on the couch. Avaline sat across from her, trying to figure out what was on her mind.
"We should have gone to Lord Nightingale's ball together," she finally said.
"That's your response?"
She shrugged. "What do you want me to say?"
Avaline leaned back on the couch. Did she want Yolanda to tell her she was making a wrong decision?
"Am I doing the right thing?"
"Aren't you being friendly?" she asked. "He is a war hero and good-looking."
"Lord Whitaker," Avaline began.
Yolanda clicked her tongue. "I know you don't like noisy people, so why are you so worried about what someone else said?"
Avaline sat up. "I don't want to give people something else to talk about." Standing, Avaline walked to the window. "Sometimes I wished we could go far away."
Yolanda joined her by the window and grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry."
Avaline shook her head. "The reality is that we can't run away. We have to face it head-on."
"Then do just that."
"And Lord Ross?"
"What about him?"
Avaline turned to Yolanda. "Charles asked me about him."
"Are you getting married?"
"I should."
"Do you want to?"
She bit her lip. "Well, yes."
"But?"
"I - I don't think I want it to be with Lord Ross."
Yolanda squeezed her hand. "There's your answer. Don't worry about him anymore and focus on your nightingale."
Avaline laughed. "He's not mine."
"He could be."
She pulled away from her. "I don't even know if he wants to be mine."
"Then convince him."
"What?"
"Ava, a man isn't the only one who can court a partner."
"I don't know how."
With a sigh, Yolanda pulled Avaline to the couch again. As they sat, Yolanda held Avaline's hand.
"Do you want to be with Lord Nightingale?"
Sheepishly, Avaline nodded.
"Then, tell him." Yolanda squeezed her hand once more. "That's the first step. If he doesn't want to, then you'll know, but if you don't try, you'll be left wondering what could have been."
Yolanda always knew what to say. Even if Avaline wanted a relationship with Lord Nightingale, she didn't want to force it. Judging from last night, he wasn't going to object. Avaline's face warmed.
"You're right, I should try."
***
After dinner, Avaline returned to her room, eager to finish the last handkerchief she promised Miss Margie. Yolanda hadn't taken too much of her time and had departed soon after. Despite their conversation, Avaline hadn't dared to ask Charles more about their mother's treatment. No, she decided. It was best not to have it with Vivian present. At least, not yet.
By candlelight, Avaline worked slowly. Every so often, her gaze settled on the blank pieces of paper on the desk, and her hands stopped. Avaline shook her head and continued to task.
This happened a few times before she placed the fabric and hoop down. This wouldn't do. It wasn't like her to get cold feet.
Embolden, Avaline started a letter to Lord Nightingale.
Lord Nightingale,
It was my pleasure to accompany you last night to the Luna Festival. My siblings and I enjoyed ourselves immensely. It was our first visit, and you made it truly memorable.
I do not mean to be so forward in my words. However, I'd like to think that you are fond of my manner of speaking.
Avaline stopped writing, blushing. She needed to write this even if he saw her in a different light. He probably wouldn't approach her in public anymore. The thought saddened her, but it was necessary.
As such, I was pleased with your attentiveness. I can't help but think you might be more inclined to call upon me. If I am mistaken in my thinking, please let me know. I shall rectify it at once.
May you find blessings under the moon,
Lady Avaline Stark
As she waited for Belle, Avaline paced around the room. What if she was mistaken? It could have been a trick of the night air. Despite her worries, Avaline tied the note to Belle and watched it fly away.
Yawning, Avaline stretched. Lord Nightingale may not reply tonight. It was for the best. She didn't think she could read his rejection that same night.
Avaline worked on the handkerchief a bit more before bed. Just as she planned to stop, Belle flew through the window. She had a message. Avaline's breath hitched. Perhaps Lord Nightingale had a few choice words for her.
Taking a deep breath, Avaline read the letter:
Lady Stark,
I thank you for your honesty. If those are your true feelings, then please continue, as I have no qualms about accepting your advances.
S.L.
Gaping at the note, Avaline turned to Belle.
"Is this true?" she asked.
Belle tilted her head. Avaline started at the note again. He had accepted her advances. As the reality sank in, her face grew hot. Fanning myself, Avaline couldn't stop smiling.