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“That was not the question, Flor, and well you know it.”
“See what I mean about being intelligent enough for deviousness.”
Daisy’s laugh tinkled forth, but she continued to watch him from the side of her eyes with an elevated eyebrow even as she strolled at his side.
Florent sighed. “As right as they can be for the time being. Thank you for asking, Daisy. There’s nothing for you to be concerned about. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to come up to Town with you. But perhaps after this party I can come.”
Daisy waved her hand in an all-encompassing gesture. “Perhaps it shan’t be needed. Amelia has put a great deal of thought into matching me up to her specifications.”
Florent grinned. “I can’t tell how you feel about that from your varying tones. I’d suspect a mixture of feelings.”
“Quite a smorgasbord of emotions, to be sure,” Daisy agreed promptly. “Mostly appreciation, though, so have no fear. I love that she made this effort to help me. She was quite right that a house party is a far better means of getting to know someone than a crowded ball or rout.”
“And did she do a good job of selecting candidates?”
“Exceptional.”
“Have you chosen then?”
Daisy shrugged again. “Not yet,” she said with a sigh. “Perhaps you could do it for me.”
Florent laughed, thinking she was jesting, but she didn’t laugh with him. Suddenly more concerned, Florent patted his sister’s hand where it was still safely tucked into his elbow. He could now understand his mother’s reluctance to arrange Daisy’s match. He wanted to bundle her into the carriage and keep her safely at home.
“You really ought to have a preference, I would think,” Florent said firmly to his sister before they were both distracted by new arrivals into the room.
Florent watched as Daisy smiled her appreciation to him before she untucked her hand from his arm and joined her friends. Momentarily he felt bereft before he turned his own attention to enjoying the rare experience of being entertained.
