Elizabeth was grateful to Francesca for ending the conversation when she did, though she still felt extremely awkward now she had been reminded that her thoughts were never truly private.
Constance remained planted firmly across the table from her, and Elizabeth could see her considering whether or not to continue pressing her for more information. She seemed to decide against it, but she didn’t go back to sit with the others or follow Francesca upstairs to go to bed.
Elizabeth was about to go to bed when Selene breezed passed her, wrapping herself in the warm winter coat and reaching for the packet of cigarettes in her pocket. She didn’t interact with the other women; she just went straight outside, letting in a blast of freezing air as she opened the door.
Elizabeth tried to look ove
