Verity huffed. Ford had had ample opportunity to address their argument privately. He could have written or stopped by her house, anything besides confronting her about it in the kitchen of this too-cramped zoo. There was no room for her to respond here beyond accepting his muttered apology either. She began to clear away the remaining crumbs from her plates, perfectly content to carry on in her angered silence than try to navigate this conversation.

It wasn't as though he meant it either, Verity decided once the last of the dishes were clear. Ford was likely only saying it now because he hoped to ensure her silence, not because he had been so changed by her disgust that Miss Farley's future suddenly mattered. Not because he cared at all what her opinions on the matter were. But because her stewing in her anger like this was a liability for him, a potential for disaster. The thought had her nearly slam the newly replenished full plate of biscuits down on the counter. She'd been avoiding him, sure, but none of her actions would have betrayed their conversation to others. Verity never would have done anything to hurt him.

"Sure." Verity muttered in response after too long of a pause. Years had passed since she was last so furious she could only cry in response, but standing there besides her brother Verity felt dangerously close.

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