Every truth revealed and secret shared had Titania certain she would make a mistake she couldn't take back. Surprisingly - still - Mr. Greyback didn't flinch at her mention of her past career and her less social pursuits. Whether it was his time as an Auror or his place on the Wizengamot; the man didn't startle easily and, truly, it brought her a courage she did not claim on her own. Titania wasn't the sort to parade around spouting her feelings, they lived and died in her heart where they belonged. Locking eyes with Mr. Greyback was daunting and, not for the first time, she had a very real sense that he was seeing more than what she intentionally revealed. The sensation was unfamiliar but not wholly unpleasant. Still, it left her feeling unarmed; vulnerable in another's presence.
"You do yourself a disservice, Mr. Greyback. If memory serves, it was not Isobel that saved me from a social disaster this spring, in fact, she was the one that set up what could have been a true embarrassment had you not taken me aside. Either Greybacks possess some skill or you are a rather rare man indeed." She offered her assessment with an affectionate smile, she couldn't help but view the rather strange setup fondly. Her memory had cooled her mortification and warmed their interaction.
His seemingly dismissive acknowledgement of Isobel's meddling had Anya sucking in a quick breath, her mare slowly reacting to her tension, a frustrated stomp. Dismounting and tying the beautiful creature to a sturdy tree off the path within reach, Titania used the opportunity to gather her thoughts. Was there actually a suggestion in his tone? "Nor do I," was all she had to offer before turning to face him, no longer a match in height when dismounted.
The very thought of Mr. Greyback acknowledging and then accepting Isobel's machinations was a shock. Anya had thought him conspiring to humiliate her in the spring, convinced that any matchmaking was done in cruelty, but she had been horribly wrong. Both she and Mr. Greyback were caught in Isobel's odd web.
What was Anya to say? She could not deny that her general affection was becoming rather specific. Mr. Greyback coaxed things from her she rarely shared. He made her playful and, to her own surprise, a bit showy when it came to her magic. She wanted to impress him as much as she wanted to entertain his girls. Anya needed this man to see that of which she was capable, her intellect and her mastery. Knowing she cared for his opinion at all was a shock and a fright. It was hardly in her nature to clamor for attention or recognition; she wasn't a child. Nor was she blind.
"However, I would regret allowing japery to cloud my senses. Were I to offend in my rejoinder, Isobel would never forgive me." The tension in Anya had absolutely nothing to do with sister-in-law's opinion, Isobel wasn't the one teetering on the edge of a consequential arrangement. "Perhaps it would serve us best if we continued frankly?" It was not meant to be a question, but Titania could not find the last bit of strength to speak her hopeful assumption. She would rather jump from the sea cliffs than be incorrect in this moment.
“I would not lose your friendship over my misunderstanding. Please.” Her plea plainly stated and uncomfortably candid.
"You do yourself a disservice, Mr. Greyback. If memory serves, it was not Isobel that saved me from a social disaster this spring, in fact, she was the one that set up what could have been a true embarrassment had you not taken me aside. Either Greybacks possess some skill or you are a rather rare man indeed." She offered her assessment with an affectionate smile, she couldn't help but view the rather strange setup fondly. Her memory had cooled her mortification and warmed their interaction.
His seemingly dismissive acknowledgement of Isobel's meddling had Anya sucking in a quick breath, her mare slowly reacting to her tension, a frustrated stomp. Dismounting and tying the beautiful creature to a sturdy tree off the path within reach, Titania used the opportunity to gather her thoughts. Was there actually a suggestion in his tone? "Nor do I," was all she had to offer before turning to face him, no longer a match in height when dismounted.
The very thought of Mr. Greyback acknowledging and then accepting Isobel's machinations was a shock. Anya had thought him conspiring to humiliate her in the spring, convinced that any matchmaking was done in cruelty, but she had been horribly wrong. Both she and Mr. Greyback were caught in Isobel's odd web.
What was Anya to say? She could not deny that her general affection was becoming rather specific. Mr. Greyback coaxed things from her she rarely shared. He made her playful and, to her own surprise, a bit showy when it came to her magic. She wanted to impress him as much as she wanted to entertain his girls. Anya needed this man to see that of which she was capable, her intellect and her mastery. Knowing she cared for his opinion at all was a shock and a fright. It was hardly in her nature to clamor for attention or recognition; she wasn't a child. Nor was she blind.
"However, I would regret allowing japery to cloud my senses. Were I to offend in my rejoinder, Isobel would never forgive me." The tension in Anya had absolutely nothing to do with sister-in-law's opinion, Isobel wasn't the one teetering on the edge of a consequential arrangement. "Perhaps it would serve us best if we continued frankly?" It was not meant to be a question, but Titania could not find the last bit of strength to speak her hopeful assumption. She would rather jump from the sea cliffs than be incorrect in this moment.
“I would not lose your friendship over my misunderstanding. Please.” Her plea plainly stated and uncomfortably candid.
![[Image: 6FdDBqK.png]](https://i.imgur.com/6FdDBqK.png)