"My dear you are simply too kind!" Harriet exclaimed sweetly with the sort of self-deprecating smile that implied the compliments should absolutely keep on coming and that no kindness was too much. She doubted she would be disappointed either - Miss Fawley was delightful and had an eagerness to please that Harriet could practically feel radiating from her. Unmarried, getting older every day, beautiful and without too many siblings to share her father's money with: Miss Fawley was a gift from the god's as far as Harriet was concerned.

"I should hate to keep you from your friends," Harriet glanced over towards where a gaggle of young ladies were laughing away cattily, having been moved as far into the corner of the club as the steward could manage so they didn't disturb the rest of the clientele. They were boisterous and barely out of school, ostentatiously dressed and clearly unaccompanied by anyone with sense. They were also, she would bet her jewellery box on, not Miss Fawley's friends, but it was worth making the gesture after she had hailed the younger woman over to her table.

"But my sister is running behind schedule, as usual, and I'd be very grateful for the company."