I'm a little disappointed in myself. I didn't think that I was being that transparent with Alice's origin but you figured it out right away.
I'll need to be more circumspect next time.
Don’t worry, Ken. I drive authors nuts with this on a way too frequent basis. I once spotted a pregnancy about a 100 words in or so. I’ve maybe channeled Lois too much in recent years? Aaaanyhow, more circumspection is always welcome in my book

Revealing the surprise really is the biggest challenge depending on the story. You want the reader to guess and suspect, but not too soon, preferably making it obvious just before the official reveal.
It was for that reason that it was deened suitable to wear for the bonding ceremony.
Aaaah… Council approved wardrobe

Michael