He had kissed her, after all; the kiss itself had not lasted nearly long enough, but the butterflies in her stomach continued fluttering well after he had pulled back. It was a nice sensation. Not only that, but it felt like confirmation – real proper proof – that Jemima was good for something, that she was not entirely awkward or hideous or eminently unloveable.

And Mr. Humphrey-Mavis was as honourable as his title, because he hadn’t reneged on his offer to escort her around. That, Jemima thought, cheeks warm as she nodded and curled her hand upon his arm, truly made the day a triumph.

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