“I love you,” Isobel choked out, her arms refusing to unwrap themselves from around Katherine’s back.
They were standing under the shade of the trees outside of the servants’ quarters and the cool morning air bit at Isobel’s cheeks, making the tears on her face feel almost icy against her skin.
“I love you too,” her friend replied in a broken whisper. “I’m so sorry we’re leaving instead of helping you all figure out this mess. I feel so selfish.”
“You have no reason to be sorry,” Isobel said, her arms tightening their hold. “You need to take care of yourself and the baby, and there is nothing selfish about that.”
Katherine pulled away reluctantly and smiled sadly. “Thank you, Isobel. For everything.”
Isobel knew that her friend was speaking about more than the coin she had given
