Chapter 31

"Nicholas?" Mary softly called to her husband, who had been engrossed in his talk. The men had dived into a session of critiquing their faulty government, and like all talks that had to do with condemning, their voices could be heard a mile away.

"Yes?" Nicholas turned his entire body to face his wife, his eyes watching her intently.

"I would like to follow her on a stroll." Mary gestured to Alice, who was adjusting her too-short dress. Nicholas took a look with an upward sweep at Alice; his eyes cast a judging gaze on her, and he shrugged.

"Sure, you can go ahead." Alice didn't seem threatening or look like a bad influence. Apart from the badly dyed hair that was already showing her brown roots, she was okay. And Mary does seem like she needed a female companion.

"Thank you." Mary politely replied, and she stood up.

"Care to join us on a stroll, ladies?" Alice asked the other girl sitting, but they both declined.

"I think I will wait this out." Tasha spoke, her arms tightly wrapped a