Though Elsie was sure she might be exaggerating the circumstances, at least a bit, she felt like she was walking on eggshells in her own home and it was making her beyond anxious. Thanks to a terrible maid with a big mouth she was under more scrutiny that she would ever imagined- a mention in Witch Weekly and all. It was almost enough to tip her over the edge, to just cave to the easy, admittedly crazy way out and elope or something equally foolish. This was exactly why she had even imagined herself getting married or involved with anyone in her adolescence. Not that she could regret it now, regret was the furthest thing from her mind, but sometimes she did wish it was just a bit easier.

As she pushed open the door to her family home after a long day in the library, Els wanted for nothing more than to unwind and maybe even go right to bed with a book she'd brought home, but knew that wasn't really a choice. Lottie hadn't been feeling well the last couple days and Elsie meant to check in on her, but detoured to the kitchen to start the kettle for tea to bring up with her. Hanging her cloak and scarf on the way, she meandered in the warmth of the kitchen only to find her mother already home. Was she that late?

"Hello Mother, I apologize for being late. I was caught up reorganizing the herbology section." That fact was punctuated by the large tome in her arms on the subject. She'd gotten caught up because she'd been distracted reading instead of reorganizing. Whoops.