“Soon, you’ll be back with your family. I expect you’ll see them at the ball. They must be so worried about you.” A chill crept up my spine as she spoke.

“What?” I asked, completely surprised that she would bring it up.

“Well, I sent a message to the house explaining that you were here and that you were all right, but I never did get anything back. I expect they were out looking for you. You’ve been a joy to me, but I’m sure you miss your family. No doubt they miss you too. It will be so wonderful for you to be back with them again,” Georgette mused. My heart sank at her words and I knew, in the depths of my soul, that I would never ever go back. I didn’t say so. I simply nodded silently, eyes glistening with restrained tears and I kissed Georgette’s cheeks.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll send for our best carriage.” Georgette hugged me one last time before bustling off. I took a last look at myself in the mirror, inhaled deeply to calm myself, and headed out to the foyer.