Miss Catherine's words were like tiny little pebbles dropped into a rushing stream. Ellie felt the ripples, for certain, but the water still kept moving the way it always had. Ellie wanted to be like Catherine, to glide and to speak without startling pigeons, but it all felt like trying to fit a freshly caught haddock into a pint glass.

The whispered "Ellieeee...", felt like a gentle nudge, and Ellie did try to catch herself. She knew shouting wasn't what "ladies" did, whatever that truly meant. It was just… easier to get your point across when you let a bit of air out with it, especially when you were excited. And an unexpected trip to the seaside?

Ellie paused a moment, the sharp reminder to be more ladylike pricking at her. She took a breath, "Right," escaped her lips "sorry," she added barely audible. A sudden trip to the seaside? The prospect commanded her thoughts, a thrilling jolt of anticipation, but this time, as she pictured the waves, a fleeting image of herself walking along the shore in her nice hat, not just her usual scarf, flickered through her mind before being swept away by the pure excitement. She'd have to remember to keep her voice down, of course. And perhaps pack a more suitable outfit... but the sea! That was the main thing.

Ellie slipped behind the curtain to confirm whether she could go. The exact details of that conversation are lost to history, but Ellie soon reappeared, visibly straining to keep the excitement from overflowing, trembling. She had to present as moderate and sophisticated, after all.

"I can go."