If there was one telling question that could make or break this interview, it was how Ms. Estelle Malfoy responded to liking owls. Atticus would not tolerate a woman who detested them and Poppy knew anything further would be a waste of time. Merlin was Atticus’ whole life, for better or worse, the spoiled little thing. (He was sweet at least, if a little self-centered.) If she didn’t like them, or thought them dirty pests, then this entire endeavor was doomed. Luckily, it would seem not! Ms. Malfoy even made the first joke all afternoon and Poppy couldn’t help but laugh her tinkly little laugh.

“I’m so glad to hear you say that, Ms. Malfoy,” she replied, earnestly. “My dear cousin has many strengths as a gentleman, but his perhaps fatal flaw is his adoration for his bird.” Poppy grinned as if this was the first secret shared between them and she hoped Ms. Estelle would take it as such. “Merlin, is his name, and he’s a darling little creature but perhaps a bit spoiled.” She nodded at the blonde then. “I do think he’d take a shine to you however, and with that approval Atticus is sure to fall in line.” She teased, this time on her own.

Hopefully the jokes would lend the exchange a little bit less formality. Poppy was really rather liking Estelle Malfoy and hoped to make a friend of her, even if her match with Atticus was not meant to be. Ms. Malfoy was exactly the kind of person Poppy herself could learn from, and the lady’s dignity and poise served her well.

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