"Oh, ye're welcome! The secret was bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar," she said with a grin, reaching out to touch the woman's hand as she was wont to do with most people. As she interacted with the staff, smiling and dimpling, Lorn might notice she was calm around people now that she'd had time to start things over again.

Karen blushed then when he declared his intention to court her in his way, but then saw the smiles and such from the others and relaxed.

She took the seat that Lorn offered after a few moments of chatting with one of the maids about how the twins were fairing. She looked at the spread and thanked her lucky stars that she had found a family, at last, to eat with.