Credit to the Potts ladies, then — Emilia nodded to accept his statement. It was not worth pointing out his contributions to the venue. There would be nothing to put together if there wasn't a zoo. She wished she had told Eavan she was coming today.

"I did enjoy it," Emilia said. She paused, trying to collect words on her tongue — she had to say more if she was going to speak to him and be interesting, but she was a naturally quiet person. "I particularly enjoyed the butterflies," she added, even though it made her feel silly.

Emilia took a glass of lemonade and looked at Mr. Podmore out of the corner of her eye. "Did you have a favorite?"