"Of course, we're returning to the capital," Lina answered calmly, as though the Countess of Lance had asked her the most obvious question in the world.
"So you're planning to leave Giselle and me here?!" The countess's face flushed red with outrage, and she practically spat as she spoke. "That's absurd! Completely absurd! What kind of behavior is this supposed to be?"
She looked as though she might explode at any moment, but Lina had little interest in listening to her complaints. The countess drew herself up indignantly, apparently determined to remind the princess of her responsibilities and proper conduct.
"A cultured woman cannot behave like this! Good heavens, are you planning to travel all the way to the capital in a carriage with only a man accompanying you and no female companion? I absolutely forbid you from doing such a thing!"
