For the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
Moving to England is not what Angelica had planned for herself. On the contrary, Angelica was incredibly fond of her life in New York. And although her husband is very eager to introduce his new wife to his home country, Angelia is finding it hard to feign enthusiasm for the upcoming voyage. It's a view that she expresses to her younger sister over a cup of tea.
"You should go. Quickly, in fact. As soon as possible."
Peggy's abrupt interruption shocks her. Angelica looks up, her eyes curious.
"England will be good for you. Good for you and Alexander."
"For me and…?" Angelica shakes her head, her gaze all of a sudden dropping to her hands, folded in her lap. "I don't know what you mean."
Peggy laughs. "Yes, for you and Alexander. I see the way you look at him. And I certainly see the way he looks at you."
"You don't see anything," Angelica replies sharply—already protesting too loudly and too quickly. "There's nothing at all to see."
"Oh, Angelica." Peggy sounds entirely too sympathetic. "If I've noticed, don't you think Eliza will too? It's only a matter of time."
And with that, all of Angelica's objections fall from the tip of her tongue. There is no room for deniability. Despite all her efforts, she has not been able to hide her attraction to Alexander. She tries to ignore Peggy's insinuation that he might feel the same for her, but the thought strikes a warm flame in her heart. She reaches forward, wrapping her hands around her warm cup as she wills the blush in her cheeks to dim.
"New York will be less bright in your absence," Peggy says softly. She reaches over the small table that divides them, covering Angelica's hands with her own and gives a comforting squeeze. "But London will be a great adventure."
"A great adventure."
"For you and your husband."
"You're right." Angelica raises her gaze to meet Peggy's and gives a determined smile. She straightens herself, picking up her teacup and raising it in the air. "To London."
"To you and John."
And finally, and in unison, "To Eliza and Alexander."