Was Benevolence surprised that Melody was still hung up on young mn who had stolen her heart 2 years ago? - No. She had known Melody well enough to know her moods, and it was easy, at least as far as Benevolence was concerned , to see that she was still not over Ben Crouch -she didnt need to say it. But at Melodys panic, she reached out and took her hand comfortingly. 'Nothing - truely' she confirmed earnestly, 'I am just unsurprised that Mister Crouch still holds your affections.'.

She patted Melodys hand in a manner she hoped was comforting. 'With this marriage coming up - you don't seem excited - at all. Even if only for the chance to run your own home and be gone from...' she searched for a polite word for father. 'here.' Melody may or may not think of him as harshly as Benevolence did but she didnt want to mortally offend her friend by insulting her parent. There was a line between what one could say about a family member, and what others could say. But Ben didn't like Melody's father - while many purists were trying to get away from arranged marriages he was pulling towards it, forcing his child into a loveless marriage to be rid of her. It felt mercenary and disgusting as far as Benevolence was concerned and if this American took Melody to the other side of the planet, decorum or not - she would never forgive him.

'So I've heard nothing, but I don't need rumours to know that you havn't been happy - and Ben might not make you happy per sey but you've assuredly been happier than you are now. '

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Lady is a wonder