"Thank you," Her cheeks warmed at the praise, but also his consideration on not expecting her to know what he had said. It was a consideration not many people would have allowed her that. "Mr. Prewett." She nodded slightly, an almost distracted hello as she forced herself into the present.

Knowing the kindness he had given her, Malou turned on the stool, her skirts swishing gracefully around her legs as she placed her hands gently in her lap. Her fingers strained to play again but instead she clasped her hands and allowed her mind to focus on Mr. Prewett.

She had dwelled on the fact that he wished to see her again since Wednesday's tea, but it had only been three days since then and his appearance so soon startled her. She doubted that it was Mrs. Bagshot's meddling this time as Malou had decided to surprise Mrs. Bagshot herself with a visit. The woman had been fretting over Malou since last Sunday and it seemed a kindness to spend some time for her. They had spent the morning together and Malou had promised to stay for supper as well. However, in the afternoon hours Mrs. Bagshot had declared she had some social calls to make and would soon arrive back. So Malou had been left with some time on her own.