Viola shrugged, though she did know what Effie meant. It wasn't a concern without merit--being on the wrong side of gossip was insufferable at best.

"Oh, no," Vi said, sighing. "I'm afraid not yet." She'd never been in a hurry, but now spinsterhood was creeping in anyway. As with most things, she didn't know where the time had gone. "Perhaps Mr. Watson has friends you can introduce me to," she added teasingly.

---