The awkwardness in the air was tangible, but as a gentleman Dunstan knew he was obliged to keep the small-talk going as best he could. And it was only fair, after all — she'd gone to the trouble of initiating their... "conversation".

Yes, it was a pretty painting. Dun turned to look at her with his midnight blue eyes, and began — "do you —" intending to ask dully if Miss Goshawk enjoyed painting just as Acacia did. But as he looked at the girl he noticed that she appeared slightly panicked and unwell.

"Are you alright?"