It was not often that Juliette Grimhilde found herself at a loss for words, but standing there that afternoon in the presence of Nikolai Chernov was certainly a situation that called for silence.
She had been actively attempting to avoid him since their dual arrival in town, and had more or less been successful thus far. However, by some cruel twist of fate they had run into each other in the park nearest their lodgings and Juliette was a great many things, but she was not rude. They had made eye contact, there had been a clear spark of recognition, and they were in public. Any hint of avoidance under Lady Chattermoreβs ever-watchful eye could spell disaster for a girl with a thing or two to hide.
βMister Chernov,β she curtsied before she let too much time pass, refusing to use his first name.Β "I suppose that I should offer you a congratulations. Lady Chattermore had informed the masses that you seem to be entering into a courtship.β
@chaoticchernovβ
