Chapter 61: Madison is Fine.
She dropped every book she took from shelves and tucked her paper in her dress again and as she made her way out, she felt an almost inaudible footfall behind her.
Glancing back, she saw Rose, the elegant woman from before, walking in step but with her own grace and purpose.
Rose acknowledged Salviana with a soft smile, but neither spoke as they exited.
As they neared the library doors, Salviana finally broke the silence, glancing at Rose with a curious, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Miss Rose. I truly respect your interference earlier and I enjoyed our conversation... I’ve come to realize it’s rare to find someone so easy to speak with here."
Rose’s blue eyes softened as she returned the smile. "The pleasure was mine, Lady Salviana. And don’t let Enid trouble you. His words hold little weight, and your presence here speaks louder than anything he could say."
Salviana nodded, feeling a warm reassurance in Rose’s words. "Thank you for that," she said.
"And please call me Rose, the formalities are unnecessary, we’re friends now,"
Salviana’s eyes brighten while Rose smirked, "Thank you, you can call me Salviana too," she said tucking her hair behind her ears again. "And if you’d like to join me when I paint next, you’re more than welcome." She invited.
Rose’s eyes lit up with genuine interest. "I’d love that. I admire art, though I admit I have no talent for it myself. Watching you paint might just be an inspiration." She said.