William.

His name hovered over her lips like a hummingbird over a flower. It was at this present moment that she quite lost her ability to speak. At the same time, there were multiple things that sprung to mind when she opened her mouth.

They were in a very crowded room with many people who had the ability to spread rumors about their interactions. Speak, Diana, speak! Were anyone close enough to them, they might have been able to hear the huff of exasperation that came from her as she resigned herself to this conversation.

She plastered a smile across her face that, despite the situation, was rather easy to recall. It was one that nearly every debutante of her age and station was well trained to execute. There was still an air of intense familiarity with which she regarded him as she met his gaze. "That is quite alright, Mr. Abbott," she replied smoothly, doing her best not to flinch away from his touch. It was too familiar a feeling, even after all this time. "I'm quite well, thank you."

Diana didn't attempt to offer much else in return. Best get this conversation over with as soon as possible.