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.

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.