Palais de Thornolie: 01 Juin 1850, 20:00
Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Arabella has clearly outdone herself. The wisteria on the terrace are blooming still. Can you imagine?
Duc de Clèrisseau: [Distracted] The crown always finds a way to be in season, whether nature agrees or not.
[Charlotte focuses in on Eleanor, noticing her unease]
Duchesse de Clèrisseau: You’ll have no lack of admirers tonight, Mignonne. If half the court isn’t watching you, they will be watching Oliver.
Duchesse de Clèrisseau: And that blue is just right on you. You’ll outshine la mascarade itself.
Mademoiselle Eleanor: Merci, Maman…
Duc de Clèrisseau: You’ve had a curious saison. I imagine tonight feels heavier than it should.
Duchesse de Clèrisseau: We know it hasn't been easy, but clarity matters, Eleanor. Not just for others, but for yourself as well.
Mademoiselle Eleanor: I'm not confused, Maman.
Duc de Clèrisseau: Whatever you've chosen, you should know it does not have to be a performance. You owe nothing to anyone.
Marquis de Clèrisseau: She knows what she's doing.
Duc de Clèrisseau: Do you?
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