Rena, familiar with Elaine since Peter had recently spoken of her, paused and assessed her.

After a moment, Rena acknowledged with a smile, "Yes. What's on your mind?"

Elaine, skilled in flattery from her time serving Chandler, launched into her spiel while Rena listened passively.

Eventually, Elaine cautiously broached the subject of Mark. Nervously biting her lip, she confessed, "Mrs. Fowler, I have deep feelings for Mr. Evans. I'm considering pursuing him and would like your perspective."

Rena, with a polite but distant smile, responded, “I can't dictate my uncle's choices. But I doubt my grandmother would welcome anyone but Cecilia into the Evans family. Perhaps, Miss Shaw, you should consider other prospects."