"It is quite alright." Malou assured him. Like sugar in her tea, the piano was something she only indulged in at Mrs. Bagshot's home. However, it was the one luxury that Malou missed in the loft. She could live without the trappings of luxury, but she missed the music.

Ah, that explained the visit again so soon. "I'm sure Mrs. Bagshot will know precisely what it is when she returns." Malou certainly didn't despite knowing of her godmother's friendship with Mrs. Longbottom, indeed she had been at plenty of dinners with the woman in residence, not that Mrs. Bagshot had managed to get Malou married off yet. Having met Mr. Beckett Longbottom this spring Malou was inclinded to believe that was likely a good thing. Rosamund had laughed when Malou told her of the incident and Malou rather felt that was the appropriate response. Although part of her wondered how Mr. Prewett would have handled a biting flower. None of this, however, explained what Mrs. Longbottom would be requesting from her godmother.

Her eyes looked over him, assuring herself that was indeed healed. He looked tired, she was noting when surprise took over her. His ears looked slightly red. His question, indeed the attention it hinted at, made Malou's stomach tighten and her own cheeks warm slightly. But she found herself giving him a guilty smile, a half laugh on her lips. Of course she hadn't. "I suspect no more than you." There she went again, teasing someone she had no business teasing. The back of her neck grew warm but it was too late to take the words back.