An Unexpected Arrival

[Aurelia Wallingford]

It was a fair day, and Aurelia Herondale was strolling along High Street with Gwenyth, her companion. Aurelia was wearing one of her favorite dresses, which had an elegant hat that accompanied it. It was white and black, which wasn't too colorful, but it was decidedly one of her more elegant pieces.

Aurelia bit her lip, looking down and paying little attention to where she was going. She was troubled over Mrs. Walsh's situation. When she'd heard what happened, she almost fainted with shock. From the little interaction she'd had with Mrs. Walsh, Aurelia liked her. Aurelia thought she was a very strong woman, who was only looking out for her family. Of course the Herondales would never breathe a word of her husband's condition, but Aurelia wondered how the husband was doing. In truth she worried about everyone - James often said she would mother the whole world if she could.

Speaking of which....Aurelia whirled around to face her companion, who started. "Gwenyth, it's your birthday soon!" she exclaimed, her mood immediately lifting. "We must get you a new dress!"

The woman blinked, momentarily confused, but Aurelia ignored her protests and led her into the nearest clothing shop. "Good day," she said airily, smiling brightly at the employees. "We have a few requests to make, if you please."