An Intimate Acquaintance
Lucinda adjusted her hat carefully and smiled at the young woman across from her. Lily was new to the city, and Lucinda had been asked by Lily’s parents to show her around and keep her out of trouble. At first Lucinda was prepared to do the bare minimum, expecting the usual simpering, boy-crazy, fashionista whom most acquaintances from her old town had raised. Instead, she got Lily. Beautiful—long, dark hair pulled up and back, honey-coloured eyes that sparkled with curiosity and intelligence, and a wit, sometimes biting, sometimes soft, but always quick. She had caught Lucinda quite off guard. They spoke of arts and science, of politics and history. They toured museums, went to lectures, and lunched often at Lucinda’s home in an up and coming neighbourhood. Today was lunch, and Lily had just finished …