In an attempt to suppress her chagrin, Catherine turned to the nearest shelf to study the books. They looked boring. What was Ellie doing that was more important than greeting her? She pulled a book from the shelf and opened it to hide the humiliation of being kept waiting.

When the girl emerged, Catherine turned to her with a pleasant smile, which faltered quickly when the second blow came. First name? This was of her own doing of course! And the invitation she was about to extend would only make things worse. She supposed they friends of some sort now, as far as two people of such unequal rank could ever really be friends. But it was intricate. If she did not treat carefully, she'd soon have Ellie's friends and family calling on her.

She plastered her smile back on. "Ellie, have you ever been to Harrogate?"