Private message to Auror Crouch

[alt_daphne]

Mr Crouch,

Last night was quite the theatre - an apt demonstration of what I was envisioning when I told you that romance is always a stage, with most people not realising it. Mr Evan, in particular, comes to mind as being remarkably obtuse. At the time I wondered why you came over to interrupt us, but in looking back, I can only imagine that someone as accustomed to investigating as you are must have detected my bewildering disinterest in your colleague. Why you chose to intervene remains a mystery, though one I shall ponder for a good long while. I don't know whether I should thank you, or be put out that you spared me the pleasure of turning him down when he offered me his potion - as he surely planned to.

I will without hesitation, however, thank you for seeing me home to Belgravia. I found our conversation, and its conclusion, quite diverting.

Sincerely,
D.G.G.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Evan was being an idiot. Needed a clear demonstration of how to read the difference between disinterest and eagerness in a witch's body language.

My pleasure. Truly.

[alt_daphne]

I agree, though I would be interested in what it was that you noticed me doing to signal my disinterest. My conversation was cordial enough, I believe. It's difficult to know how straightforward to be when you're only just coming into your season, and possibly the youngest witch at the party, besides.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Your performance with Evan was well-managed, but not flawless. You appeared to be having a blandly pleasant exchange, but from any distance away, one could see you had no intention of accepting his glass if he proffered it. Your chin and one shoulder were ever so slightly angled away from him, not inclining towards as one does when hoping a conversation would progress to intimacy. Your free hand was closed in a fist--not clenched--nothing so obvious as that, but closed and held by your side, as far from accepting as possible. Other small marks were evident in passing moments as I watched. His tells, meanwhile, were of increasing boldness. There was no point letting him make a spectacle of you.

[alt_daphne]

I thank you for your frank critique, Mr Crouch. Next time I shall make certain that Mr Evan--or others of similar inclincation--have no room for such illusions. For I sincerely doubt that an observant Auror will always be on hand to watch so closely, and be somehow compelled to intervene.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Trust you were none the worse today for Sophia's libations last evening.

[alt_daphne]

I've suffered much worse. Whoever prepared the refreshments had a deft hand, and I took care not to over-indulge.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Wise of you.