Back at the Collins estate, Ally found her way to her mother’s side as the others walked ahead in the garden.
"Mother," Ally said, keeping her eye on Elijah. "Why don’t you want to be in the palace more? You are quite close to the queen."
Sally Chambers, Ally’s mother, laughed. "No, you are mistaken. The queen is kind to me, but I do not see us as friends. I was once the duchess’s maid, and during that time, I had the honour of being around the queen, but not as her friend. I was working."
"I understand that time in your life, but now, you do not work for the duchess, and you are around the royals," Ally pointed out.
"I am around the royals because the duchess invited me to her home. Your grandmother had a hand in teaching the king, but your father doesn’t consider himself a friend of the king. Why do you speak of this?" Sally asked, halting their walk to get her answers.
"Isn’t it obvious, mother? I want to learn more about the palace. I want to be inside it to attend the balls and social events there. That is where all the ladies will find good husbands," said Ally.
"I know, but the palace isn’t somewhere you should be. I’m sure your grandmother gave you many good stories about it, but your father has also spoken about the bad side. While we are at times surrounded by the royals, it is the duchess who is close friends with the queen," Sally explained.
Sally didn’t mind it since she always knew what her place was. She was lucky to receive the queen’s kindness at times, and there were moments her family was invited to special events, but Sally didn’t expect more.
"I do not understand it. The queen said that Julie could go to her for anything, but I did not receive the same offer. Why is that? I am the one who wants to be married," Ally said, needing answers right away.
"You already know why, Ally. It couldn’t have slipped your mind already that Eleanor helped the queen in the past. The queen feels forever indebted to Eleanor, so it is only natural that she wants to take care of Julie," Sally explained.
Sally tried to fix Ally’s hair by tucking it back into place. "You will get to see the palace with your grandmother, but I am certain you will find your husband elsewhere. You have been invited to the queen’s gathering. Enjoy yourself then."
"It would be wonderful if the queen would aid in finding me a husband. I don’t require much help, only the queen’s words to that man to have him look at me. I don’t understand men," Ally said, watching the interaction between Elijah and Rue. "They are confusing."
"That I can agree with. There is much about your father that I am yet to understand," said Sally.
Sally grew curious about who held Ally’s interest since she was turning down the visits from other men. "Might I know who has your fancy? It is in your best interest to have your father look into this person to ensure they are safe. There is too much done around the town that frightens me."
Ally looked away from Elijah. "He is a good man. Once I have succeeded in getting his attention, then I will bring him to you."
Sally frowned. "Ally, I might be assuming wrong, but if this man has not accepted your feelings, then perhaps you should move on. Don’t waste your time chasing anyone."
"Father said he chased you for many years, and the two of you are happy together. I will follow my heart for now," Ally said, planning to court Elijah just a little longer.
Speaking of her feelings to Elijah wasn’t the right way to do it. Ally regretted not making him notice that she had grown to become a fine lady.
Sally worried about Ally. "Your father had the privilege of chasing me as a man, but you shouldn’t waste your season, Ally. I had feelings for your father, but I pushed him away because I had troubles with my family when it came to money. It is different."
Ally didn’t listen to much of what her mother said. If it could work out for her parents, then it could work for her.
Ally had an advantage which most ladies eyed Elijah did not have. She was close to Elijah’s sisters therefore they could help her.
"I am sorry to end our talk so soon, but I wish to go ahead with Penelope and the other ladies. Do you mind if I go? Father is right behind us," Ally said, pleading with her eyes.
Sally sighed, but soon smiled as she sent Ally away. "Go be with your friends. I must speak to Eleanor."
Ally frowned. "Not about what I said."
"Of course not. I will keep what is said between us private. Go on and be with your friends," Sally said, shooing Ally away.
Sally watched as her daughter ran to catch up to the other ladies.
Eleanor came to Sally’s side. "Ally is full of life today," she said.
"There is a man she has fallen for and wants to chase. I worry about her interest in the palace and her need to find a husband quickly. I do not know if it is so good to have Odessa take her around the town," Sally said, worried about Ally’s time with her grandmother.
"Let her enjoy it. Every girl in this kingdom has a moment of wanting to be in the palace. It shall pass. Ally was raised hearing the stories Odessa had about the palace, so she is curious. Odessa lived long in the palace, so she will have good advice for Ally," said Eleanor.
Sally saw it differently thanks to Eleanor, but there was something else to address. "About the time we spent with Odessa. I would like you to join us more often. She adores Julie."
Eleanor smiled. "I know that she adores my daughter. It is also perfectly fine for her to have a favourite. She likes tradition, so it is not easy for her to have a woman who focuses on writing books marry into her family. I’m happy you are with her often."
Eleanor was happy Sally existed, so she wouldn’t have to visit Odessa more. Each time Eleanor sat with Odessa, she was forced to hear of who she should keep writing as a hobby rather than a way to make money.
"I am not. It feels like she is my governess when I meet with her. If my back isn’t straight, she gives me a look like she will scold me. Do you think Alessandra or Edgar would be upset if we drank something?" Sally asked, yearning for wine.
Eleanor looked back at where her husband walked with Caleb. "It is our husbands we must worry about, but lucky for us, they are distracted. We must grab Alessandra and the queen to have a drink. Come," she said, holding Sally’s hand to pull her along.