"I'm sure you were not being selfish," she says, trying to be reassuring. Iphigenia can't imagine Amelia as being anything but brave and selfless. At least, that's how she sees her friend.

She sits down under one of the trees, her skirts spreading out around her, like a flower in bloom.

"Yes, we should have a picnic out here sometime," she agrees. "But for now, I don't mind just sitting and talking."