Samuel scrubbed his face with his hands. 'This is uncharted territory for me too.' he admitted, in a tone that was a little strained, an acknowledgement that this wasn't an situation that either had expected to be in.

'When I discussed this with Hope...Mrs St.John-Black' he clarified, unsure if Crouch knew much about his wife. 'she noted that she and Melody had been friendly enough once, so the two paying calls would perhaps be good for both.' he noted, 'But perhaps before that the suggestion is that we..you and I that is, have a few public conversations, at the end of the month I have a dinner at the embassy to which your brother as head of the DIMC would be invited, perhaps extending the invite to your other brother and yourself.' It was orchestrated, but most of the ton was more concerned with appearances than anything else - the perception of the antagonism between the families was enough to make it real.

'A few occasions of public friendship and it will put the matter to rest and let us all move forward as though it had never occurred.' Samuel's tone was almost tired, 'After which - well, I don't know you Mister Crouch, how and if any future 'relationship' eminates from that is something we cannot predict, but my suggestion is that we host you as we would host the family of any dignitary, it buries the hatchet and enjoy a good meal, some decent wine and if we end the night wihtout animosity it can be called a win.' He wouldn't admit it, wouldn't say it in case it gave them false hope, but he had often assumed that Melody's estrangement was due to her families perceived offense they had given to Samuel, and he did hope that if he could be seen to be accepting of Melody and her new happiness then her family might find a way to reconciling with her.

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