— …Did you guys hear that?! — The lively exclamation of the girl with scarlet hair.
— What now?
— They say that Lady Forex, daughter of the Minister of Finance, is now having an affair with the crown prince of the Rosenberg Empire!
Her other two friends sighed heavily.
— You're at it again,» Emily took a sip of tea.
— Did I say something wrong? — Obelia took offense.
— Of course you did! — Adelina grinned. «Aren't you ashamed of spreading rumors in broad daylight?
The three friends gathered together at Ashford Manor. In the gazebo out back, they discussed their recent experiences. But only one of them spoke.
Obelia's father Clifford was a well-to-do merchant who traveled the country from time to time and heard a great deal. On his return he brought his daughter not only presents, but also the various gossips of secular society. She, in turn, immediately rushed to share them with her friends.
