Oh, and he told her more about her sister, her Ana. Called her that as well. His wife (Niccolette, she reminded herself, adding the name to the catalogue of facts about her sister) must be close enough to her for familiarity then. He had said, but she wasn't sure. Aurelie's memory of her bright and glittering sister was of a young woman never lacking for company. It eased her heart to think that this remained true.
Unmarried! This seemed strange to Aurelie, thinking on how long it had been, how old she was and how old her sister was now as well. Then again, Ana had always preferred to go her own way. That was what drew some to her, Aurelie thought. Wanting some of that spirit for themselves. Certainly she was no different, doing her best to follow in Ana's wake. Or she hadn't been different--it hardly mattered now. She smiled back, imagining her lovely sister keeping company almost as lovely. A gemstone. Yes, that was fitting.
I think she'd be proud of you, too.
This was very nearly her undoing. Aurelie gasped instead, a sound torn between wound and delight. How desperately she wished that were true! How her breast ached to think of such a thing. Ana, proud of her. Beautiful, brilliant Ana. It was kind of him to say it, and to quite possibly even mean it, though Aurelie had no idea how. What was there to be proud of? A scrap, a piece of a person, who she would never see again? Still, she took the needle with a murmured thanks, her voice thick. Perhaps it could be true, that it wasn't shame of her that drove Ana from Anaxas.
As he rose, Aurelie was seized with a desire to repay him in some way for this kindness. Perhaps it was nothing to him, just idle chatter, but it was everything to her. He could not possibly know how much. She stood as well, smoothing her skirts and trying not to feel as if she were overstepping her bounds.
"Mr. Ibutatu... Thank you. You haven't troubled me. Truly. I--" She faltered, unsure of her words. "Your wife, she--she sounds lovely, and--and you must l-love her and--I am happy, to hear my sister is well and that she... that she might have such friends. I--" She swallowed, daring to raise her face. "I hope that whatever... troubles you that... all will be well." At this she blushed, feeling silly for having dared to say such a thing. The young woman covered it with a bow, respectfully deep.