Oz wasn't suitably sympathetic to her plight, but Thomasina was sure she could find someone to empathize with her — she just had to go to the place that still felt as if it were her actual home. She took the floo to the parlor after breakfast, and settled in on the chaise, where she made very pleasant small talk for several minutes. It was clear from the look on her face and the slightly-askew nature of her hair that she was here half to complain, and after getting through pleasantries Sina got to the point.

"How does one host," Sina said, leaving her hands on her face, "A tea?"

Between her ball, Lowri's ball, and New Year's festivities — she was significantly over it. If it weren't for Mrs. Ainsworth's help in providing the old list, then Sina didn't think that the invitations would have even made it out. But now her tea was tomorrow, and she was contemplating the depths of her despair.