Atticus’ comment felt like a slap in the face. Was that really how little his brother thought of him? That he spent his life off in some fantasy reality, abstractly unaware of the ongoings around him and those he supposedly cared for? Basil’s teeth set and his lips thinned into a fine line. He always knew Atticus didn’t respect his ambitions in life, or his research. But he never thought the other would throw it so meaninglessly back in his face.
“Is that why you feel the incessant need to control everything around you?” He barked back. “My life, my schedule, the family’s social calendar - even Poppy! God forbid she celebrate her first season without blessed Atticus Foxwood overseeing to make sure it go just so!” He rolled his eyes derisively. “What are you going to do when she inevitably marries someone you don’t approve of?” Basil was treading into dangerous territory and for once he was glad mama was not around to hear it. “She won’t let you control her Atticus, you know damn well that girl has a mind of her own. Are you willing to lose her over your banal insecurities?”
In truth, Basil had no notion as to what kind of man his cousin would gravitate towards and he did not give her the benefit of the doubt in his anger. There was very little that actually tore at Atticus and Poppy Dashwood was one of them. If Basil was vindictive and spiteful and Poppy got caught in the cross-fire, then so be it.
Setting his teeth again as the other prattled on about Basil’s getting hurt, the younger Foxwood sucked in a deep breath. Atticus didn’t know what he was talking about. He wasn’t… Lissing couldn’t… they weren’t in the same position as before! This was different. “It’s not like that this time,” Basil hissed, a furious red blush crossing his face as he dared to admit anything aloud. “I’m not going to get hurt because there’s nothing to— to hurt!” He floundered. “I told you before, he works at the school and I’ve no choice but to be friendly!”