After a while, when tea and pastries were served, Astrid released her hand from Amalia's thigh and spoke softly.
"Lydia, have you read the latest issue of the Empire Monthly?"
"Yes, of course."
"How did you find it?"
"The fashion showcase this time, that iris-patterned ruffled dress was exceptionally beautiful. And those lace-up metal stilettos, transparent stockings definitely suit that style better than white ones..."
Once on her favorite topic, Lydia began to chatter endlessly.
First discussing with Astrid whether silver heels paired better with strongly contrasting stockings, then moving on to the differences between patterned and plain stockings, and finally debating what shoes best matched puffy skirts, whether it was the shiny leather shoes with multiple laces or the more traditional loafers.
Amalia didn't know much about these topics, so she just sipped her tea while watching Astrid.
