Cynara hopped out of the buggy before the driver could help her down, landing gently on her feet, her skirts billowing around her. The house she stood in front of was beautiful, and almost equal to size as Margrave Manor.
Walking inside, she was greeted by Jane.
"Miss Waldorf, I'm so glad you could come," the girl said, looking like she wanted to say more but was holding her tongue.
"Please, call me Cynara, and it's really my pleasure. I've been cooped up with boys all week, and I'm really just glad to get out of the house."
"Well, I'm glad you're here, Cynara, and you of course must call me Jane."
"Of course."
"Please do come in," Jane said eagerly ushering her into the sitting room, "Can I offer you some tea?"
"Oh no, I'm fine. Is your mother here?" Cynara asked as casually as possible, trying to hide the hope that she wasn't. Cynara couldn't get Jane's true feelings out of her with the old bag hanging around.
"No, she's visiting some friends and will be gone for the rest of the week. That is why I might seem so eager for some company," Jane said smiling.
Cynara wondered if Jane had any other friends to invite over, but didn't want to hurt the girl's feelings in case she didn't, so Cynara kept her mouth shut.
"What a great place you have here," Cynara said to keep the conversation flowing.
"Yes, thank you."
Jane seemed a little nervous, and Cynara was done with the polite tactics.
"Okay Jane," she said, moving to sit next to the girl on the couch. Tucking her leg up and under her so she could face her easily, "What's the real reason you invited me over?"
Jane seemed surprised by the question, "Just for some company."
"Really?" Cynara asked incredulously, not sure what she expected Jane to have confessed.
"Well, the truth is, I just came out this season, a bit late for my taste, but mother insisted I wait. I had to perfect my piano playing, writing and drawing, French, Latin and Italian, sewing, everything a proper young lady should have in her repertoire," she shrugged ruefully, "I've gotten a lot of attention from men, but you're the first woman who's spoken to me."
Cynara stared at the other girl surprised, "You have to do all that?"
"Well, don't you?" Jane asked.
Cynara shuddered at the idea.
"God no," Cynara told her, turning to sit face forward on the couch.
"Well, shall we go eat then?" Jane asked.
"Yeah, sure," Cynara said standing up and waiting for the other girl to lead the way.
Cynara took a seat opposite the girl at the little table, the food already having been put into place. She helped herself.
"Hey Jane, so what's the deal with you and Randall Trahern?" she said suddenly, deciding to get right to the point.
Jane looked at her in surprise, and blushed, "Mr. Trahern is a very nice young man."
"I'm sure he is, but do you like him?"
"Of course I like him."