He forced himself through the warm-up exercises, using them to clear his mind. He had just finished when the door opened and Eileen and Rose stepped through with Lady Prellham a few steps behind. Thomas’s jaw nearly dropped. He managed to say, “Hello, Miss Eileen.” “Thomas.” Eileen and Rose both wore wide-legged pants that would have passed for skirts at first glance, and loose blouses tied tight beneath leather bodices. Each wore a sword on her hip. “Very nice outfits,” said Thomas. “Your doing, Lady Prellham?” “Indeed,” said Lady Prellham. “If they are going to fence, they must dress properly.” “You both look splendid. Where did Miss Rose find herself a rapier?” “A loan from Lord Henry,” said Eileen. “His when he was a boy. He sent it four days ago, to encourage me to come back to practice.” “It would be nice if he came back to practice,” said Thomas. “He hasn’t been here in a week. Neither has George.” “He hasn’t?” Eileen looked surprised.
