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Laura moved around, helping the guests with their coats and guiding them to the front door while penelope stood by with a force polite smile and saying goodnight, all while keeping a close eye on Laura. She also noticed the glances the girl sneaked her way from time to time.

"Thank you for coming," Penelope said to Mrs. Owen, as she helped her with her coat. She was the closest to her mother and wasn't as judgey as the other women. "It was lovely to have you."

"Always a pleasure, dear," Mrs. Owen replied, giving Penelope a warm hug before stepping out into the cool night air.

Her mother had gone in for the night, as she was tired because of the cooking and preparations she did for the guests, and it also because of that kind of pride in older women, especially towards their peers. She wasn't going to see them off, they don't see each other off, it was their thing.

As the last of the guests left, a few women decided to stay the night. They made themselves comfortable in