Mother.

[alt_crouch_jr]

I've no idea what you were thinking when you chose to make small talk with Mafalda Hopkirk--and in the presence of forty of your most inquisitive and least circumspect acquaintances over tea at the Wiltonian?--nor what exactly you said to give Hopkirk the impression that I should require a fortnight's leave after Christmas, but I assure you there is no honeymoon excursion in my plans.

I trust this closes the matter.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, dear. Is it possible Athena may have given your mother the wrong impression somehow? When was the last time they spoke?

I assure you that Norah made no particular comment that I heard at WI this week. And I've not heard from Athena myself in...well, in some time, come to think of it. Hm. Perhaps I ought to offer to take tea or drinks with her sometime soon.

[alt_crouch_jr]

I doubt it was Athena's doing: Mother needs almost no prompting for her imagination, and Athena has always kept her cards close. Honestly, her circumspection is one of the things I've admired most.

I can't speak to whether she would have time for drinks or tea in the week ahead. I do know that she has more than one performance on the horizon and that her holiday season is very tightly scheduled. But you'll sympathise with that, no doubt.

Speaking of a tight schedule: I'm meeting Malvasius on the sparring floor, and I don't intend to hand him a free shot by coming late.

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, yes, I know all about tight schedules. And the importance of ensuring one's robes are only tight where one wants them to be, as well.

For myself, I've just finished my dancing lesson and I am more than ready for my tea! Sadly I shall have to wait until 3:00 for that refreshment, as I've another errand to run first.

Were you invited to the Magpies' benefit match next Saturday? Can't decide whether it will be too cold to attend the match itself but the party afterward is always quite diverting.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Yes, in fact. And I intend to be there, though you're right about the weather. This time of year you never know. But I agreed to let Mother hold a luncheon at Marlborough next Saturday--some fundraiser to stop squibbism or something--and I've no intention of being within thirty miles of that.

[alt_narcissa]

Squib prevention? Isn't that - well. A touch ambitious?

No doubt Aleta Featherstone and Madam Millingham-Kennilworthy put her up to it, despite the work that is going into ensuring that we shall never have to confront such a sad prospect again.

Oh. I've just been told there's a visitor. Excuse me.

Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_lucius]

I take it you have lost your interest in Miss Belby, then?

If not, I suggest you arrange some token to assure her otherwise, after that pronouncement.

Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Thank you for the suggestion, but it's not needed.

Yes, Athena and I have agreed to move on.

She found aspects of my work and my other commitments unsettling. I think it's for the best, considering.

Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_lucius]

Ah.

Yes, it can be a challenge to find someone with the appropriate perspective toward the less pleasant aspects of our work - and Our Lord's demands for the betterment of the realm.

It was one reason, among many, why I chose to keep Narcissa as far removed from our early efforts as possible. Not that she could not have withstood the tests of the fight, far from it, but that I have never desired her burdened by the stresses that confront those of us on the front lines.

Pity, though. Athena seemed well-suited in many respects, not least the attractive prospect that she has quite an active life of her own.