"Of course." Felix nodded, the picture of nonchalance. "I should hate for her to worry. I'll write her a note too so she can meet us at the house or if you'd prefer back at the ball." His perceptive eyes took in Miss Fawcett, noting the movement to her pocket and her guarded expression. "I am sorry, I was not able to find her. But I assure you, I shall keep you from harm."

  

---

She would have preferred to pen her own letter, but given as he was already catching on to her unease Penny wasn't sure she could insist further against his charity. "Okay," she agreed quietly. "I'm sure she was searching for me. Someone had to have informed her of the fire. Thank you for searching." If he had searched at all. "Will your mother be home?"

  

He did his head in acknowledgement of her hands. "I suspect she was, but I did not see her in the ballroom or the courtyard. Indeed, I even asked if she were in the retiring room to no available." It had been a rather unpleasant moment realizing he'd have to essentially stalk the women's retiring room, so of course he'd drafted his cousin into it. She hadn't seen Mrs. Fawcett either, although she wasn't sure if she had even known who she was looking for.

"I believe she is till at the ball, but her maid will be happy to help, I'm sure."

  

---

Her maid, who could very easily be paid into silence should this Mr. Prewett wish her ill will. Penny's hand tightened on her wand. What was the motion for stunning someone? Was it an upward or downward flick? What other spells did she remember? Merlin, how was she to escape this if she couldn't remember basic magic?

"Okay." She replied as the carriage pulled to a stop. Oh no. She thought she would have more time for sure.

  

The carriage rolled to a stop and Felix allowed Miss Fawcett to be handed down before him by the footman and then led the way into his mother's home. He nodded at the butler, "Can you send for [Maid's Surname] to help Miss Fawcett? She will need one of the girls' old gowns." He explained. "And some parchment, ink, and a quill." He directed the butler and then smiled at Miss Fawcett.

"[Butler's Name] will show you to the blue room. I'll be in the sitting room you can give the servants the letter to your mother and I'll add mine to it." He gave a smile and then watched as the butler ushered the young lady up the stairs too well trained to ask any questions over such an oddity, although Felix was sure he'd get an earful from his mother tomorrow when she learned of it.

  

---

Oh.

Oh. Thank Merlin.

Penny smiled gratefully for the first time since entering the carriage and rushed after the servant, too conscious of the back of her gown to linger for a second longer.

Once changed into a dress finer than the one she had began the night in and a hasty note scribbled to her mother, Penny was escorted back to the parlor where Mr. Prewett stood. "Thank you for your hospitality. You saved me from quite the embarrassment."

  

Felix had written a note and poured himself a drink as he waited for Miss Fawcett. When she arrived he stood up from his seat on the couch. "Of course. I could hardly let you endure such a scene. Besides, there is no reason you should have been hurt from someone else's clumsiness." He took a sip of the liquid and then looked at her, "Would you like a drink?" He knew ladies didn't drink hard liquer but if anyone deserved it, it was probably Miss Fawcett.

  

---

Perhaps he was merely being kind in offering, but Penny just wanted to go home. "I appreciate the offer, I would really just like to make a quiet retreat if that's okay? I'll return the dress first thing tomorrow morning."

  

Felix nodded, "Of course. Would you like to return to the ball to find your mother or use the floo?" He noted the dress on her was several years out of fashion, but it was big improvement on the charred remains of the back of her own gown. "Although I'm not sure if you'd want to me seen going back in a different dress." He thought outloud weighing options. "I can send the carriage back for your mother." He decided with a nod. "And if you would like you are more than welcome to stay as a guest." He was sure his mother would have a comment or two of that but still it would be ungentlemanly to not offer with the situation being what it was.

  

---

Taking the Floo was about as favorable an option as returning to the ball. This was an emergency, of course, and she would take it without issue. But, she would have preferred a broom above all else.

"I'll use the floo, my mother will receive both of our notes I'm sure." Even if she didn't, it wouldn't be the first time Penny was alone in the house. "I truly must thank you for your hospitality and the offer to stay, you've been incredibly kind this evening."

  

"Of course." Felix inclinded his head toward her having expected that option.

Then she thanked him. "You are very welcome, Miss Fawcett." Felix said genuinely. "If you should ever need my help it is yours."

He stood and took the decorative jar off the mantle holding it out to Miss Fawcett, the emerald power shifting inside. "Would you mind writing me a note when you reach home?" His natural curiosity would wonder if not, he justified, "Just so I know you arrived safely?" And didn't catch fire again or anything so drastic.

  

---

"Of course," she stated. The last thing she needed was Mr. Prewett following her to her home to check that she returned home safely. "My owl isn't the fastest, so it will likely take some time." An hour at least, hopefully faster but that was unlikely. "I'll send the dress back as soon as it's been laundered, too." She added quickly.

Walking towards him, Penny accepted the handful of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace. "Have a good rest of your evening, Mr. Prewett." With one last short grateful smile, Penny was swept up in the green flames and deposited at home.

  

Felix nodded, there was only so fast an owl could go, he understood that and chose to disregard her comment about the dress. No one would miss it, he was sure.

"You as well Miss Fawcett." He bowed to her then he was alone in the room with his tumbler of whiskey with nothing but his thoughts. What an evening.

  

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