#otal

“I apologise for not speaking with you sooner” Ominis murmured, his head turned. “I thought that… if I avoid you, they’ll forget about you” he added quietly. 

“What do you mean?” Flora asked cautiously. “Who are you talking about?”

Ominis pursed his lips, he was fidgeting with his wand.

“Them” he gestured broadly. “My family. Marvolo.”

Flora looked away, her eyes trained on a blooming rose bush, blinking back the sting of tears.

“Ah, of course” she crossed her arms. “So it’s not that you missed me. Or wanted to talk to me. You just wanted me to stay away from your family.” 

Her voice was bitter and rapid as she tried to conceal tears streaming down her face. 

“Flora, please” Ominis pleaded, hints of desperation in his voice. 

“Ominis” she sighed. “What if I don’t have any other choice? The pickings this season are slim! And I have to marry.”

“Why?” He snapped. “Why can’t you just… stay a spinster? Or leave this whole world behind? Live the life you’ve always wanted.”

Flora slowly shook her head as she felt the tears finally spill out. 

“You don’t understand” she wiped her cheeks. “I can’t leave my family, I can’t bring them shame. I have a duty to fulfil.”

“What duty?” Ominis scoffed.

“To get married to someone of good social standing” She took a step closer to him. “And you may find that hard to believe, but I want to get married! I want a family of my own, I want the freedom that comes with being married.”

 Her voice was growing louder with every word as she took another step towards Ominis.

“I want children. I want a house in the country and to play bridge with my girl friends” she took a step closer to him. “And even if I will marry someone who doesn’t love me, as long as he will be kind I will be content. There are much worse fates than being in a loveless marriage.”

The pair remained quiet as Ominis shifted uncomfortably. 

“I just…” he hesitated. “I can’t let them hurt you. You know how cruel Marvolo can be. How liberal with unforgivable courses. A spitting image of my father.”

She knew it was irrational but his sudden overprotectiveness angered her. How dare he come here, ambush her in her own garden after months of ignoring her, dictating who she can and can’t associate herself with.

“Why are you so sure your brother will hurt me? Maybe his intentions are honourable?”

Ominis quirked his brow as he pondered her words. 

“Did I ever lead you astray?” He asked. “Did I ever give you any reason not to trust me?”

“No, of course not” she looked away. “I did not mean to be cross with you. I know you mean well. I’m just… tired.” 

“I know” Ominis closed the distance between them. “You have no idea how much you mean to me” he smiled at her.

“Then tell me” she returned the smile, her gaze hopeful. Was his protectiveness just a sign of his affection towards her?

“You’re the most important person in my life. You are like…” Ominis hesitated. “Family.”

“Oh” her voice slightly dejected. “Yes, well, we have known each other for quite a while, haven’t we?”

He nodded in agreement, but the sudden change in Flora’s voice left him puzzled. Was that disappointment he heard?

The conversation playing in her head over and over until finally the exhaustion put her out of her misery.

As Flora trudged down the staircase, evident lack of sleep on her puffy face. Despite all of Ada’s efforts, she could not make the dark circles under Flora’s eyes disappear. 

“Oh dear” Davina’s sigh was heavy with a mix of concern and frustration as she took in her daughter’s disheveled appearance. “What is going on with you?”

“I couldn’t sleep” Flora sighed, turning away. “Is it that bad?” “Well… I think with a potion or two we can manage” the Sinclair matriarch mused before gesturing to her maid. “Margaret, do bring us a rejuvenating tonic and tell the cook to prepare dreamless sleep potion for miss Flora.”

Margaret only nodded in response before promptly departing, leaving the two women alone. 

“Mother, I don’t need all of that” Flora groaned. “There’s not a ball today and I don’t think we have any callers scheduled either.” Or at least she hoped they didn’t.

“Nonsense” Davina retorted. “We got a letter from mister Gaunt. He’s inviting you to promenade and I accepted on your behalf.”

Flora swallowed nervously. Ominis’ words rang in her head. She didn’t want to defy him. Not matter how angry she could be at him, he was still an important person in her life. Then again, his protectiveness was suffocating, trapping her.

“Fine” Flora agreed hesitantly. “I’ll be delighted to promenade with mister Gaunt.”

Marvolo Gaunt was already waiting for the Sinclair ladies as they approached the park at midday. The weather was pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze weaving through the leaves and aiding the ladies, clad in  layers of expensive silks. Flora Sinclair was no exception to this, as she wore a day dress, freshly delivered from the modiste - a simple blue skirt and a blue bodice, adorned with flowers embroidered with silver thread, a matching hat on her head and a parasol in her hand. 

“Mister Gaunt” Flora greeted her companion before giving a graceful curtsy. 

“Miss Sinclair. Mrs Sinclair” Marvolo returned the bow to the two ladies. “I am most honoured that you agreed to accompany me today.”

“And I am very grateful for the invitation” she gave him a polite smile as they slowly started to walk. 

And as much as Flora enjoyed seeing Hyde Park during the early summer, her companion made her feel uneasy. She gripped her parasol tightly. If anything happened, her wand was hidden in the handle. She could defend herself. She repeated this in her head like a mantra. Marvolo’s eyes did not miss her tightened grip on the parasol, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he noted her tension. 

“You look particularly lovely today, miss Sinclair” he spoke finally. “This gown suits you exquisitely.”

Flora’s cheeks flushed under his gaze, her smile wavering between genuine appreciation and guarded caution.

“Thank you Mister Gaunt. Your taste in fashion is as impeccable as ever.”

And it really was, for Marvolo Gaunt was many things, but he was not a bad dresser. His suits were always tailored and fashionable and his own charm and confidence made him look even more appealing. Flora caught herself staring at him and quickly turned her gaze away as they neared the lake.

“Isn’t it a sight to behold, Mister Gaunt?” She looked at the water with admiration. “I remember my father taking me on a boat here as a little girl.”

“That sounds delightful” he nodded. “Maybe one of these days you’ll do me an honour of joining me on a boat ride?”

The invitation certainly was forward and Flora blushed lightly before nodding.

“It would be my pleasure.”

She gave one last longing look to the Serpentine before following along the path with her companion. 

“Here, take my arm, Miss Sinclair” Marvel’s galant offer brining her back to reality. “There’s a loose stone here and I would hate for you to trip.”

“Thank you” Flora took his arm with a grateful smile. “You are too kind and too thoughtful.”

“Precious gems like you need to be protected” he replied with a smile. 

The predatory glint in his eye was still there but this time Flora did not want to run away. It fascinated her. The danger attracted her like a moth to a flame and his gaze hypnotised her. She was like a lamb to a slaughter. Marvolo held her gaze, seemingly relishing in the power he had over young witch, a lazy smile dancing on his lips. The moment felt like eternity to Flora, broken only by Davina clearing her throat. A gentle reminder to the pair of where they were. And just like that the moment was gone and Flora quickly looked away, desperately trying to hide her blush while Marvolo observed her with amusement. 

“Shall we continue?” He asked, glancing at the Sinclair matriarch. 

“We shall” Flora nodded, her heart racing, confused by the sudden intensity of her feelings. 

They walked in silence, nearing the end of their walk, Flora still securely holding Marvolo’s arm. The sun was now lower as they strolled in the early afternoon. Flora glanced at the nature surrounding them. The birds singing, and flowers in bloom, all oh so beautiful. Herbology and botany being her most favourite subjects, the colourful buds just begged to be picked and then carefully dried in between book pages. Preserved for eternity. 

“Aren’t those flowers beautiful, Mister Gaunt?” Flora asked as she stopped next to a particularly lush hydrangea bush.

“Miss Sinclair, I must say, that their beauty pales in comparison with you” he replied sincerely. 

“Thank you, Mister Gaunt” her cheeks burning as she blushed. “Such comparison is quite flattering.”

“Oh Miss Sinclair, it is not flattery, but merely an observation.”

“Ah, Mister Gaunt” she smiled. “You have a poet’s heart. Though I assure you, those flowers are incomparable.”

“Your modesty is truly a rare virtue” he shook his head in amusement. “But I must insist that nothing could rival your loveliness.”

“You have a silver tongue, Mister Gaunt” she smiled in amusement. “But do keep in mind that flattery will only get you so far.”

Marvolo looked at the witch intensely.

“Is it flattery if it’s merely the truth, Miss Sinclair?”

And for the first time in her life Flora was at a loss for words. Maybe his compliments did start to work on her as she could feel her resolve melting. How someone so poetic could be so cruel? She kept thinking to herself. 

“Let us avoid the Speakers’ Corner” Marvolo said, abruptly changing the route. “I would hate for those nasty Muggles to corrupt your thinking, Miss Sinclair. Their words aren’t suitable for such a tender young lady”

The sudden change in attitude was startling. One minute he was charming and gentle. Sweet even. But then like every wolf in sheep’s clothing he could not hide his true nature for long. Flora could feel the bitterness of disappointment welling up in her throat. 

“Yes, of course” she nodded absentmindedly. “We wouldn’t want that.”

The sudden shift was felt by all three of them, as Marvolo didn’t try to start a conversation anew. A fact for which Flora was eternally grateful, as she could not stop ruminating on his words. Could she change him? Was he even worth it? She wasn’t proud of it but she could not stop stealing glances at him all the way until they exited the park. 

“It was a pleasure, Miss Sinclair” Marvolo bowed his head as Flora muttered her good byes.

Thoughts of Marvolo filled her head. Each meeting left her more and more confused as the women traveled back to their residence.

My dearest readers, did you miss me? I hope you did because my little investigation uncovered quite few salacious events that happened recently. The whole society has been abuzz and I am more than happy to share all I know with you. 

It is no secret that I, like many of you, have been wondering who the next lady of the esteemed House of G might be. After all the heir to the family has been on the marriage mart for quite some time now. Was he looking for the one or was he just a rake?  Recently, however, my eyes spied M.G. gallivanting around the park with none other than certain miss S.! My sources tell me he was quite poetic and gallant. Oh to be miss F.S.! What this author wouldn’t give to become the next Mrs G. Here’s to hoping that the current matriarch does not approve of the young lady so that we all will still have a chance at our happy ever after. We all know Miss S. was rumoured to be a squib, don’t we? 

Davina scoffed as she reached the end of the sentence. 

“The audacity” she grimaced, giving a disgusted look to her husband. “Have you read this? They’re smearing Flora’s name. Our name!” 

Regulus just sighed as he finished up his breakfast, a true rarity for the head of the house to break his fast with the rest of his family during the week. 

“It’s just a scandal sheet, dear” he rubbed his temples. “Everyone knows they publish baseless accusations for shock value.”

“It’s not just any scandal sheet” Davina was still inconsolable. “It’s The Witch’s Tattle! Everyone knows that it’s the source for all gossip.”

Regulus just sighed as he got up from the dining room table, bidding his good byes. He had no time or energy for his wife’s theatrics as work called. Davina watched him leave, still scowling before looking around the table at her children, all avoiding her piercing gaze, especially Flora who desperately tried to gobble up her breakfast before her mother found any reason to critique her or her looks. 

“Flora, dear” Davina’s voice overly sweet. “Don’t eat so fast, it’s not ladylike.”

Flora mumbled her apologies as uncomfortable silence fell over the table. No one dared to speak. Even clinking of cutlery on the fine china seemed too loud, piercing even and Flora found herself cringing when her fork scraped the plate.

The silence was finally broken by the butler clearing his throat before stepping inside the dining room. 

“Mrs Sinclair” he bowed his head. “An invitation arrived.”

Three simple words that made Davina immediately perk up as she hastily grabbed the small envelope from the silver tray. It was a small rectangle embossed with little serpents and leaves in the corners. The wax seal bore an all too familiar crest, quickly broken by Davina’s impatient fingers.

“We are pleased to extend an invitation to your family” she read aloud, her eyes glittering, her voice barely containing her excitement. “To join us for dinner in our London residence tonight at 6 p.m.. Augusta Gaunt.”

The Sinclair matriarch could hardly contain her excitement as she finished reading the invitation. 

“We have to get ready” she exclaimed, barely hiding her excitement. “There’s no time to waste.”

And before Flora knew she was whisked away by Ada to her room as Davina nervously paced around, picking dinner gowns from boxes that recently arrived from the modiste. No matter what she tried on, her mother still wasn’t satisfied. Some were too old fashioned, others didn’t look regal enough and some were too scandalous to wear to such an important event, until finally she settled for dark evergreen dinner gown with elbow length sleeves and subtle lace on the trims. 

“Remember Flora, to emphasise your magical talents and your keen interest in herbology” Davina lectured as Ada worked on Flora’s hair and make up. “We have to dispel any rumours and present you as the ideal lady. And Flora, I beg of you, eat like a lady. I do not want to see you eating like a pig like you did this morning.” 

Flora scowled at her mother words. She wanted to say that it was all because of Davina’s unfairly high expectations but it would only make her mother angry and unpleasant.

“I know mother” she said. “I will be a perfect lady.”

Davina only nodded in response, still glancing at her daughter unsure before promptly departing to check on her other children. 

“Finally” Flora sighed, letting out the breath she did not know she was holding.

“Don’t worry miss. You’ll do just fine” Ada reassured her. “And if you don’t then you always have your secret admirer.”

“Do you mean the flowers I got a few days ago?” Flora mused. “I don’t think they were meant for me, Ada. After all ever since then I haven’t received any other bouquet.”

That was until she glanced at an unsuspecting flower arrangement standing on the windowsill. She assumed Ada was the one that bought it at the market and didn’t pay much attention to the precious blooms before. 

“Beautiful, aren’t they?” Ada mused, pinning the final few strands. “They arrived during the morning meal.” “And was there any note attached?” “No note” the maid shook her head. “But whoever is sending them is quite the romantic, isn’t he? White azaleas, white daisies, pink snapdragons and forget-me-nots.”

“Ada, fetch me my flower dictionary” the witch ordered, staring intently at the bouquet. “I need to check something.”

And soon she was engrossed in her own personal bibles - floriography dictionaries, desperately searching for the hidden message hidden within the arrangement.

“Oh Ada” she gasped looking up from her books. “I must know who my secret admirer is! True love? Admiration from afar? Desire to have me by his side? Whoever that is, it must be someone romantic!”

And then the realisation dawned on her. Didn’t Marvolo compliment her in the park in a way that even the greatest poets would envy? Did he think their courtship was at the stage that he needn’t attach a note? No, it couldn't be him, she thought but her excitement slowly disappeared nonetheless. 

“Ada, I beg of you” her voice resolute, a flicker of determination in her eyes. “Find out who it is.” And hope it’s not Marvolo, she thought to herself, as the maid picked up the brush.

The Sinclair carriages slowly rolled into the Gaunt family’s London residence’s driveway. Thanks to Davina’s watchful eye they managed to arrive on time though if it were up to Regulus and Felix they wouldn’t have went there at all. Flora’s hand trembled as she fanned herself, desperately trying to steady her nerves. This was no ordinary dinner, she reminded herself. Not only was The Witch’s Tattle author insinuating she was not good enough to consider herself on the same level as the Gaunts but Davina had a lot to prove as well and it was not every day that the Gaunt family extended an invitation to dinner to people outside of their immediate social circle. It’s been years since the Sinclairs have last been considered part of one. Ever since Flora’s missing acceptance letter. 

“Please behave yourselves” Davina muttered, casting a stern glance at her children as they made their way to the front door guarded by statues of basilisks, their eyes seemed to follow the guests. Charlotte swallowed nervously and grabbed Godric’s hand as they stood near the stone serpents, waiting to be invited in. The door swung open, revealing a dimly lit hallway adorned with family portraits. A small house elf guided the group to the drawing room, where the Gaunt family was already awaiting them. 

Augusta Gaunt was small in statue but she ruled her house with iron fist. Nothing happened in the Gaunt residence without her knowing. Whether that was Ominis sneaking to the balcony or Marvolo inviting loose women up to his bedchamber. Even her husband’s skilful bookkeeping tricks were no secret to her. So when the newest issue of her favourite scandal sheet arrived she knew she had to act. She could not let anyone, and especially not some bored gossip, besmirch her family name. That’s why she promptly organised the dinner, after all her precious son was seen with the Sinclair girl on too many occasions for her to ignore the newest piece of gossip. She awaited the guests patiently, surrounded by her own family members, or as she liked to think - her royal subjects, while the house elves worked in the kitchens to ensure perfection. She glanced at the family portrait - her husband and her with Marvolo and their youngest daughter - Hypatia, a girl merely a year younger than Ominis, who was conveniently missing from the painting and who now was sitting on the opposite end of the couch, perusing a book. 

“Leave that” she ordered. “They’ll be here any minute.”

And Ominis obeyed as he knew there was no use arguing with Augusta. They all knew that. Instead he settled on the couch, his head resting on his hand as he listened intently to the nearing steps. 

The house elf soon appeared with the group following closely behind him, Davina and Regulus at the front with their children following suit as they confidently entered the drawing room. 

“Welcome, Mister and Mrs Sinclair” Augusta smiled. “It is an honour to have you and your family here.”

“The honour is ours” Davina curtsied and her children followed suit. 

“Please come in” Augusta gestured gracefully. “Make yourselves at home.”

As the guests settled themselves in the elegant drawing room, the house elves immediately started to circulate serving aperitifs to the guests. 

“Sherry, miss Sinclair?” Augusta’s voice broke through Flora’s trance as she admired the opulent decor, making her startle slightly.

“I’d be delighted, Mrs Gaunt” she smiled politely. “I must say, you have a beautiful home.”

Augusta looked around, as if noticing the decoration for the first time. 

“Isn’t it just?” She smiled pleased. “We do take great pride in maintaining its splendour. It has been in our family for generations.”

Flora nodded politely, trying to mask the anxiety with a smile. She had vague memories of Augusta from her childhood and none of them filled her with particular sense of warmth. Flora felt Augusta’s scrutinising gaze on her and she could only imagine what horrible thoughts on her were running through the woman’s mind. The prolonged silence made her flush with heat and she could see imprints of her fingers on the crystal, a proof of her anxiety. It was just one evening, she repeated like a mantra. It was nothing more than a few hours, after all. To calm her nerves she tried to remind herself all the courses, the same ones that her etiquette teacher forced into her head as means to prepare her for being a lady of the house. Anything to occupy her mind and distract her from her predicament. 

Aperitif

“Please excuse me, miss Sinclair” Augusta stood up from her place. “I fear I must make the rounds first, a duty any good lady of the house shall learn.”

Flora’s heart sank at Augusta’s pointed remark. She clenched her fingers around her sherry glass, the delicate crystal pressing against her skin. Nonetheless she smiled and nodded before standing up herself. Her half empty sherry glass abandoned on the side table as she slowly made her way towards the fire place, adorned with reliefs of serpents with the family portrait hanging above. 

“The brushwork is incredible” she heard a familiar voice behind her. “I dare say, this is Oliver Cartwright’s best work.”

“I must agree, Mister Gaunt. It’s simply so… dignified.”

Marvolo was pleased with her answer as he came closer, a glass of claret in his hand. 

“Did the house elves neglect to give you a drink?” His tone suddenly sharp. “I shall rectify this situation immediately and I assure you, this will not go unpunished.”

“Please, don’t” she instinctively grabbed his arm before quickly retreating her hand, hoping no one else noticed. “I did have a glass of sherry, you needn’t worry the poor elf.” 

She glanced at the trembling creature, part of his ear missing. Her words seemed to calm Marvolo down as he retreated back to being his pleasant self. 

“You know, we have quite an art collection here” he mused. “I would be delighted to show you around one day. I myself am quite partial to William Blake though I enjoy Monet as well.”

“I would love to see your art collection” Flora smiled politely though internally she was panicking as she desperately tried to recall even one painter. 

“And which artist do you enjoy most?” He asked casually. 

“I enjoy Blake as well” she had a faint memory of seeing his work once or twice in a gallery. “I was recently made aware of Frank Bromley and his paintings. They’re so… mundane and yet so captivating and evocative.” But Marvolo’s stern gaze stopped her in her tracks. 

“Miss Sinclair, he is a Muggle” she felt like she was a child receiving a lecture as he stared at her bewildered, his eyes sharp and focused on her. 

“Oh” she gasped, hoping to sound sincere. “My deepest apologies, I did not realise.”

He seemed satisfied with her answer as his gaze softened and he smirked.

“Oh it is not your fault, Miss Sinclair. It takes a refined eye to notice the differences between magical and ordinary artwork.” 

Flora’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, a hot wave of discomfort spreading through her. She felt Marvolo’s words twisting in her mind, each one a subtle jab at her sense of self-worth. She had nothing to be embarrassed of, it was not a crime to enjoy Muggle art after all. And yet she felt that by complimenting a Muggle, she committed a terrible social blunder. 

When Augusta’s call to the dining room came, she sighed with relief. She could pretend as if nothing happened. 

Hors d'oeuvres

“What’s that?” She heard Charlotte whisper all to loudly to Hypatia. 

“Foie gras” answered Hypatia hardly hiding her disgust before Augusta’s petrifying stare made her quietly apologise. 

Flora hesitantly took a toast point before gingerly applying the paste. 

“Not a fan of foie gras, I take it?” Marvolo asked amused as he lathered the bread with pâté. One might’ve thought greedily. 

“I just think everything is better in moderation” Flora smiled. “Especially such delicacies.” 

Her eyes involuntarily wandered down to his plate before quickly darting away. She did not want to shame her host after all but he grit his teeth nonetheless. She could swear she saw a smirk flash on Ominis’ lips. Marvolo sneered but he returned to his plate, joining Regulus and Cassius’ conversation, once again leaving Flora to her thoughts.

Potage 

“Miss Sinclair” Ominis turned to Flora. “Have you read anything interesting as of recent?”

His politeness was jarring, his voice almost frigid. She couldn’t remember the last time he was so overtly reserved with her. Was he still cross with her, she thought to herself. 

“As a matter of fact, I have” she smiled. “I must say I quite enjoyed Middlemarch. I found the story profoundly moving.”

“Oh? May you elaborate?” Ominis quirked his brow, listening intently for the first time since the evening started. 

“The depth of the characters, especially Dorothea, was simply captivating” for the first time in a while, she could feel herself actually enjoying the conversation, a sentiment clearly returned by her friend. “Her struggles… they felt so real, so poignant. It’s as if Eliot captured the very essence of human endurance.”

“It is quite a profound work, isn’t it, Miss Sinclair?”

“It definitely is, Mister Gaunt” Flora agreed enthusiastically. “The honest commentary on current issues, on marriage, was quite striking.”

It was as if no one else existed and only the two of them remained, away from the dining table, away from Gaunt manor. Somewhere where they could just be together, talk about books. A short thread of understanding, broken too quickly and too abruptly by Marvolo.

“I think it’s enough about books” the Gaunt heir sneered, effectively ending all conversations between the trio. 

The conversation lingered in the air as the servants discreetly cleared dishes. And as the delicate bowls were replaced with plates of poached salmon, Augusta turned to Flora, her tone polite but probing.

Poisson

“So, Miss Sinclair” Augusta started. “I hear you’re quite accomplished in herbology.”

“Yes, ma’am” she responded. “I do so enjoy the nature and its offerings.”

Augusta seemed pleased enough with her answer. 

“I think a beautiful garden is a necessity in every good house” Davina mused. “And it needs a woman’s hand. A good lady of the house should be versed in herbology and botany.”

Flora cringed internally, her mother’s compliments sounded more like she was listing her off on a meat market. 

On the other side of the table, Cassius and Regulus were engaged in a spirited conversation, hardly paying attention to the changing dishes.

Plat Principale 

“I must say it was about time we buried the hatchet” Cassius noted, cutting into the pheasant on his plate. “And the union of our families would forever cement our friendship.”

Flora felt a lump in her throat at his words and she quickly reached for her lemonade. When she looked around the table, however, no one seemed shocked. Marvolo haven’t even proposed, she thought. She haven’t even said yes yet and they were already talking of them as if they were married! Marvolo seemed pleased with the development, gazing at Flora as if she was a precious songbird that he managed to trap in a cage whereas Ominis was focused on his plate. His lips tightly pursed as he gripped the cutlery to the point his knuckles turned white. 

“It would certainly be influential” Regulus agreed. “But my daughter has the last say. If the proposal were to happen.”

“Is that so?” Cassius leaned back in his chair, examining Flora, unable to meet his eyes her cheeks now crimson. If she were to make the final decision, was this what she wanted? Was life with Marvolo what she wanted?

The bitterness of the moment still lingered in her mouth, even as the empty plates disappeared, making way for delicate bowls of sorbet.

Sorbet

“Mrs Gaunt, I must say, this sorbet is exceptional” Felix raved as he nearly shovelled spoonfuls of lemony ice. “Is it infused with bergamot?” “You have quite a refined palate, Mister Sinclair” Augusta’s lips curled into a pleased smile and Flora thought that oddly enough she resembled a cat. “It’s lemon, rosemary and bergamot.”

It was a moment of respite and the coolness of the ice helped soothe her frazzled nerves. She savoured each bite, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. She desperately needed this reprieve, a moment of clarity before the final course.

Dessert

“A rhubarb pie with creme anglaise” Augusta announced and Flora couldn’t help but smile. 

“Do you enjoy this dish?” Nothing could escape Marvolo’s watchful eyes. 

“It is my favourite” she replied candidly. “If I could, I would have rhubarb all year round. But perhaps its seasonality is part of its appeal.”

“We do tend to appreciate what we can’t possess more” Ominis joined the conversation, much to his brother’s displeasure.

“Well, I think this is a delightful end to this wonderful meal” Flora tried to diffuse the situation before turning to the hostess. “Thank you for hosting such a wonderful evening.”

“The pleasure is all ours.”

Digestif

If it were up to Flora, they would have left after desert but Regulus simply could not refuse one last glass of brandy with Cassius and so they stayed for a digestif. Regulus and Cassius locked in an office, Charlotte gossiping with Hypatia while Davina begged Augusta for her recipes. Only Flora was left, nursing a glass of ratafia. 

“I hope you enjoyed your evening” she was met with Marvolo’s piercing gaze. “I am honoured that you accepted our invitation.” “The honour is mine” she gave him a shy smile. “Your mother is an expert hostess. I can only hope to be as good as her one day.”

His hand reached to her face, gently tucking a loose strand of her behind Flora’s ear, his eyes never leaving her face. 

“You could learn from her, she’d be delighted to teach you” he mused. “My mother believes in passing the mantle to a worthy successor.”

Flora gasped, was he inferring he actually wanted to propose? That soon? She didn’t even notice when Marvolo left, catching only a glimpse of him disappearing in his father’s office. The same office where Regulus was. A perfect moment to ask for his permission. Flora was now painfully aware of the summer heat, the sweat trickling down her back and that not enough air was left in the room. She spotted a terrace door wide open and seemingly unguarded as she made her way to the exit, trying not to cause any scene or concern as she slipped out. 

Flora welcomed the night chill with relief. Her cheeks were hot and her heart was beating frantically as she heaved over the terrace railing. 

“Flora?” A familiar voice asked. “Do you need any help?”

“Ominis” she startled. “I apologise, I only came here seeking solitude.”

“Then I shall leave.” “No, don’t” she cursed herself as she sounded more desperate than she cared to admit. “Please, stay. Keep me company. I certainly need a friend.”

“Are we still friends?” His voice quiet, hesitant. “You didn’t send me a letter after our conversation and yet you had the time to accept my brother’s invitation. I thought you wanted nothing to do with me.”

Flora felt a pang of guilt at his words. Did she really forget about her friend so quickly?

“Of course we’re still friends” she tried her hardest not to cry. “Ominis, I care for you so very deeply." “But not enough to heed my warning.”

“I told you already, I don’t have a choice in the matter. I want to be married, I want to live my own life.” “But do you want to be married to just anyone?” He recoiled. “To the man that casts cruciatus curse like it is second nature to him? Is that want you want?”

“No, of course not!” She argued.

“Then what do you want?” He snapped. 

“I want to… I want to be happy. And I want someone that will make me happy. Someone that will cherish and love me” she sighed. “But that’s just wishful thinking, isn’t it? The best I can hope for is someone who will be kind and will let me live my life after I give him an heir.”

“Flora…” Ominis sighed, his voice laced with sadness. “There’s something I have to tell you…” she looked up at him, hopeful. There was something different about Ominis, he finally seemed like he knew what he wanted.

But he didn’t get to finish for they heard Davina’s nervous voice asking for her daughter and all of a sudden the moment was gone and Flora retreated inside, leaving Ominis alone in the dark. 

On their way back, Flora sat in the carriage, trying to ignore her mother and sister’s incessant chatter. Yes, the fish was incredible, the pheasant simply divine and the rhubarb pie made to perfection. She did not need their further opinion on the evening. On Marvolo. But of course, she could not escape it. 

“Sister, do you think Mister Gaunt will ask you to marry him?”

Flora only shook her head, still focused on the view from the window. 

“I know that he talked with your father but Regulus has not divulged any details yet” Davina sighed. “Oh but I so hope for a swift proposal, don’t you dear? And of course you’ll say yes, you know how important this union is to us…”

But Flora did not reply, she was too exhausted, too overwhelmed. And worst of all, she felt like her mother ruined the first sincere moment she and Ominis had in a long time. Whatever he was trying to tell her, gnawed at her insides as they arrived back home. 

“And remember” Davina grabbed Flora by her arm. “When Mister Gaunt comes to propose, you have to say yes. For us, for your family.”