Pardon the brevity of this chapter. Unfortunately my attention span has a will of its own.
One never anticipates being regarded while in slumber. My habitual and satisfying practice of sleeping in nature was up until this day void of societal stresses—emphatically so! Mercifully, as I walked towards the entrance of Netherfield, my cousin intercepted me.
"Luna, I am truly sorry! I hope my blunder will in no way hurt your chance at a proper attach—" I took in my surroundings and found I was too flustered to finish my words. Luna smiled knowingly.
"I'm not worried. Come then, let me look at you." She began to peer over my head. "Lady Delacour said you might require some assistance."
I waved her away, sighing. "Oh leave off! I've cleaned up already." The idea of Lady Delacour having any opinions of my state was truly intolerable to me. Rolling my eyes, I added, "Regrettably so."
"Regrettably? Whatever do you mean?"
"'Regrettably' meaning I'd rather be captured by wood nymphs than—"
I dared not complete my thoughts. I paused instead, for a footman had announced his arrival with a small throat clearing, hindering any further expression of my longing to be swept away by woodland creatures. Within seconds I was indebted, thankful for the falsely unassuming cough which stopped our conversation in the nick of time! Our dinner hosts were suddenly upon us!
Lady Delacour was as expected, stoic in her self-importance. Thankfully, in seemingly permanent contrast to her, Mr. Potter was barely containing the glee within his small frame.
"Hello, Ms. Granger! I heard you were enjoying the grounds. Don't you just love the nature here at Netherfield?"
"I do, Mr. Potter. I really do," I replied, sincerely agreeing.
"You are welcome anytime. Isn't she Fleur?"
"Of course," Lady Delacour replied.
I was pleased by Mr. Potter's words and by his casual use of Lady Delacour's name, in company no less. I can't imagine society such as theirs ever relaxing, but Mr. Potter seemed quite at liberty, which made me cheerful. Additionally, Lady Delacour's curtness was of such little surprise that I found myself barely moved by it, least of all with anger. I chanced another look into her eyes, and she met my gaze with the likeness of tumbled stone. I did not break our glance. Instead a grin escaped me and I was pleased to note that if there was some infinitesimal expression shift in her demeanor due to my smile, my new immunity to her airs prevented me from caring.
As we were led through the entrance hall, we passed the mirror that Lady Delacour spoke of during our strained encounter. I decidedly took no outward notice of it. Luna linked our arms. She knew not of my new invulnerability to Lady Delacour and meant to give me comfort.
For as immodest as Netherfield was, our walk to the dining room was short. They seated us with Luna to my left, Mr. Potter across from her and Lady Delacour across from myself. I smiled at the sight Mr. Potter's warm, green eyes looking at my cousin and then tapped sweet Luna's hand, giving her reassurance of my state. I would survive this dinner and maybe even enjoy it, regardless of whether or not Lady Delacour decided to thaw her disposition.