Even through all the emotions swirling through her mind, Flora could tell she was decidedly pleased by his apology. It took a man—or in this case, a boy—of good character to set aside his pride and apologize for his misconduct, and she had no desire to think of Mr. Fudge as a boy of poor character. For all they bickered, he'd been one of the only children her age she'd interacted with during the long summer at the Sanditon.

She took a step forward and touched his shoulder with a gentle hand. "I accept your apology," she said, smiling ever so slightly, "and we can be friends. I didn't mean to upset you."

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