Basil’s smile lost some of its forced quality at his friend’s sympathies and little tap. He could always count on Nee to cheer him up, even at the worst of times. He wasn’t sure he loved the idea of residing in the Morgan household with the whole of Nee’s family though, even if it was just theoretical. Being in such close proximity to another mother who might want to marry him off didn’t seem like the radical change he was looking for. Nee’s suggestion was a good enough one and Basil laughed lightly.

“I might, if I was informed enough to know what was going on. But that, my darling Nee, would require paying attention to the social calendar of our lot and managing dear mama’s invitations, along with my own.” He dug around in his pocket for a cigarette case. “Besides,” he continued, mood darkening again. “Atticus doesn’t care if I have other plans.” Hadn’t that been the exact cause of tonight’s kerfuffle?

Flipping open the case and taking a cigarette, Basil tucked it between his lips and offered one to his companion. Then, tugging an antique muggle lighter out of that same pocket, he set about lighting it. It was the routine of the thing not the expediency of huffing the tobacco itself that eased his anxious mind. Sure, Basil could easily have lit the thing by wand, but what good would that have done his scattered nerves? Taking a deep swig, Basil let the taste and scent cloud his judgement. He wasn’t a daily smoker by any means and often didn’t take a cigar with port. No, tobacco was his own personal comfort, like a crutch when he needed the solace.

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