"Friends?"
"Why, yes. My husband and Miss Victoria have introduced themselves to me as friends. I did hear of the rumours going around, but that was all a lie, which could have wounded Victoria's reputation. Isn't that right, Victoria?" Ophelia asked, giving Victoria the chance to clear her name.
"It is so," Victoria answered.
Althea was humoured by the turn of events. "Well, I must apologise to you, Victoria. I thought the rumours had been true all along, since you never denied it. I will let the other ladies know that it simply wasn't true."
"We must find the one who started the rumour before they sully your name and pit Ophelia against you," said Althea.
Victoria forced a smile. "I think the rumours started because I have always been close to Lord Hastings. Many believed a woman and a man couldn't possibly be friends, but we are."
"Lord Hastings and his mother were both kind to take me in after my parents passed. I couldn't be more grateful," said Victoria.
