“This brings back memories,” Lester said as they gave their coats to the attendant as they arrived at Marquis Clara’s estate for Valerie’s nineteenth birthday. Apart from the engagement party, it had been so long since the last time Adeline attended a social gathering that she was feeling her nerves getting to her. “Remember this one time, two years ago, when your father asked me to escort you in his stead because something urgent came up with his work? I believe it was the same lady’s birthday.”
“Yes, I remember.” Adeline smiled, taking his arm as one of the servants led them towards the hall where the birthday party was to be held. It had been over five years - in her mind at least - since she had been there. After she got married, she visited her friend only once - Valerie had always b
