It's a bit of a struggle to focus on what Marius is saying, but she makes the effort. Engaging in small talk feels absurd, but it's firmer ground than what she's been stumbling over for the past week. So, his studies are going well, which is a good thing, and she gives his arm an approving pat.

If listening is a struggle, actually talking is worse. She has to pull in a slow, bracing breath, silencing the horrible little voice inside that's all too eager to point out that she'll never see her bakery again. "At the Gardens, yes," she says after a moment. "There are enough children there to keep me rather busy, these days."

Thanks to Demelza, she's spent about as much time outside the kitchen as in it. They've been swapping duties whenever she found herself a little too much in her own head, and in need of more distraction than dishes might provide. It's easy to feel guilty for sticking her friend with the duller chores, but Demelza has been so insistent on helping however she can that Greta can't really justify anything but gratitude.