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Preston glanced askance toward Asquith, but Asquith’s mother held her son’s attention.
Amelia blinked in consternation. Then, after a brief hesitation, Amelia answered, “Certainly.”
Ha. She knew Amelia would be too curious to ignore her overture.
Lenora threaded her arm through Amelia’s elbow.
Asquith turned around, noted how Lenora and Amelia were standing, and frowned.
Lenora ignored him, matching Amelia’s posture.
“After you.” Asquith gestured for Amelia and Lenora to walk on ahead.
“I can see you doubt my taste in hats,” she whispered.
“Pardon?” Amelia kept her gaze on the line in front of them. “Did I make a comment?”
“You didn’t, of course,” Lenora squeezed her arm. “You’re far too elegant and cultured to be so crass. But I could tell.”
Amelia sent Lenora a side-eyed glance.
Lenora raised her chin. “I want you to know I chose the hat specifically for the occasion.”
“And I presume, the pelt-embellished pelisse?”
Lenora glanced down. “The pelisse, I admit, was a mistake.” She sighed. “In my defense, I wanted to impress. We are about to enter a menagerie, after all.”
Amelia’s lips twitched. “You have certainly made an impression.”
Lenora inclined her head as if she’d received great praise. She forced herself to stay silent as they walked, hoping Amelia’s curiosity would build.
“I give in,” Amelia whispered. “Why did you choose the hat?”
“See here?” Lenora held out her ticket and pointed to a passage. “It says they have birds of rare and exotic plumage.” She lowered her voice. “Between the hat and the coat”—Lenora smiled a small, teasing smile—“I believe the keeper might ask me to join.”
Amelia glanced heavenward and shook her head, clearly fighting the urge to smirk.
As they passed through the entrance to the upper floor, Amelia whispered, “Join the menagerie? That’s quite an ambition.”
“Isn’t it just?”
Amelia fell quiet until they’d entered the first viewing room. “As requisite, I believe you must challenge the emu to fight.”
Lenora widened her eyes. “Perfect! I happen to excel at emu fighting.”
Amelia made a brief choking sound. “An unusual accomplishment.”
“I am an unusual lady.” Or so Asquith had accused. Lenora leaned in. “Remind me, what’s an emu?”
Amelia smothered a snort.
Sir Brenton glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “The young ladies are getting along famously.”
“Just as we had hoped,” Lady Asquith replied.
Lenora exchanged a glance with Amelia.
“I thought...” Amelia’s gaze strayed to Asquith. “Well, never mind. Come, I will show you the emu. You can take his measure.”
