The Adebayos had outdone themselves; in August's experience, they often did. Maybe that was part of why Miss Adebayo had said no to him — although August really ought to make peace with never quite knowing the answer. He certainly was not going to learn it tonight.

And he really ought to focus on the debutante in front of him, instead of on one who had already turned him down. "This is certainly an excellent way to kick off the season," August said, "I suppose that one of the Adebayos must be interested in astronomy — are you interested in the celestial, Miss Lycoris?" (Merlin, he hoped that he was right that she had older unmarried sisters!)