Despite how highly esteemed the Audens were and their closeness to the Crown, Irene was pleased that the Earl and his wife seemed to be such laid-back people. Her expectations were shifted upon this realization.
Regardless, the girl was thrilled to take advantage of the Audens' hospitality and, the moment she had dropped her things in the guest room she was to share with her family, she went off to the library with the other apprentices. It seemed that her mother and brother were in the township with the Countess enjoying tea with other noble ladies who had already arrived.
She imagined that if she were still a noble lady, she might have been forced to participate in that sort of thing. How interesting that her brother was forced into the environment just because he was still a child. It must have been a pain for him to have to sit and play nice.
She silently hoped that there were other children for her brother to be around so he could at least have some company.
