Basil saw right through her bullshit and it was both irksome and endearing. Torie was not usually quite so dramatic (she left that up to Estelle) but this whole thing had her turned around and upside down. It was disheartening and just a bit confusing. As Basil looped his arm through hers and steered her toward the main hall, Torie could only sigh.

"I will, when I am feeling more myself, but please enjoy your day." Her love of riding would pull her from her gloom sooner or later. Plus if he was to show her the grounds, she would very much enjoy it. Their easy friendship certainly helped. Not to mention Poppy and her friends would also likely boost her mood. There wasn't much like a good (friendly) gossip session with her fellow debutantes to cheer her. Torie had to wonder if Miss Twiglett had managed to procure an invite; that as always cause for a laugh. While Torie hated to be that way about her fellow ladies, Miss Twiglett repeatedly served to embarrass herself. She was also mildly unpleasant to be around.

Putting her hand on the railing, Torie cast one last smile in Basil's direction. "You're a good friend, Basil, thank you." Hopefully just a few moments alone to clear her head would help. Torie assumed her mother wouldn't leave her be for too long. She would be able to put on a smile and get through the day. If she still felt run down by the end of the hunt, she would excuse herself from this evening's activities.