Aristide was doing better these days. At the very least, he had dragged himself out of his room and made some sort of effort to be functioning. Even so, he still hardly smiled. He felt like he couldn't and he felt guilt whenever he actually did laugh. He knew deep down that it wasn't healthy. Asa would not want him to be morose forever. Adrienne most certainly did not want him to be.

Speaking of whom, he was expecting her any moment now. He had his maid set out some tea and biscuits. As he waited, he drew in his sketchbook as he wondered what this news his sister had might be.