"It took some time to develop the patience, but there are only so many times one can hear the same sentiment without becoming rather used to it," she said, sipping at her tea again. "Your mother is hardly the first person to express them." And even with her worries, Aisling could maintain a certain distance from such. There were worse things that just words.

“Of course, if she manages to marry off Abby in the next year or two, it’s possible she’ll forget to regularly berate her relatives.”

Aisling frowned slightly at that, a touch of concern visible on her face. "I hope that Abigail is able to make her own choice on that matter. At least now she should have more options evident to to her besides such a marriage." She shook her head. It wouldn't be many years before such topics might appear in regards to her own daughters. Tarron would certainly wish for them to marry well.

"I'm grateful that Rowena and Sophia are not yet old enough to worry about such things. That time will be here soon enough." Though Sophia at least was already asking other students out. Merlin.

Aileen nodded, though once again, she found she lacked the sense of calm Aisling seemed to possess. The more she heard her mother’s shrieking, the more it festered like a cursed wound, driving a larger divide between them. Perhaps as Cullodena’s daughter, it was different for her. Aisling had the support of her immediate family, while Aileen had… Abby. A sister she’d grown close to over the past few years.

If she were honest, the thought of Abby fully embracing their mother’s ideals someday unsettled her, not only because it was so limiting, but in small part because it probably meant losing her. To be accepted in pureblood society (as much as a squib could be), Abby would have to turn up her nose at Aileen’s choices. And what would they have in common anymore?

“We shall see,” Aileen commented, trying to keep the direness out of her tone as she noted the touch of concern on Aisling’s face. In the Reid family, choosing one option often meant all other options were then closed.

“It seems that time is already here,” she smirked teasingly. “If their excitement over the Valentine’s Day dance is any indication. Not that I’ve been listening in on the students’ conversations,” she lifted her hands in the air. As much as she tried to block it out, the chatter about cards and dates and new shoes had filtered into her consciousness this week.

“We shall see.”

Aisling gave a soft nod to that, her expression turning almost distant. That there were many complexities, and she had had little contact with Aileen or Abigail before this. Perhaps, by now, she had merely discovered a sense of optimism. "I cannot say that every wizard whom your mother might consider acceptable is automatically a poor choice, given my own relationships, but it is not an ideal pool to draw from."

Not that she'd ever found a perfect pool, Merlin. No secret location of perfect human beings.

Already there? She choked on a sip of tea, though she couldn't have said if it was at the prospect of Valentines' or at the idea of her girls growing up so soon. "I always forget about that holiday," she said once she'd regained her breath. "But that would make sense. Suppose that I had best not worry about the school dance unless some actual trouble appears." She pressed two fingers to her lips and sighed. "I am certain that Tarron will be doing enough worrying for the both of us with that prospect."

Aileen nodded. She really had nothing against Mr. Brunn. Abby had told her he’d been a perfect gentleman when they’d visited the gardens over the winter break. It was what he represented; the thought of Abby marrying so young.

At Aisling’s startled reaction, Aileen held back a laugh. “I’d prefer to forget the holiday, myself,” she smiled dryly. “But I’m fairly certain Abby is scheming something.”

Little did she know it had everything to do with Abby’s romantic life and nothing with hers. The way it should be!

“I’m sure the girls will be fine. It’ll be a few years before they collect a horde of admirers,” she continued in a slightly teasing tone.

“Do you and Tarron have any special plans?” Aileen sipped her tea, completely oblivious to the meaning this weekend held for Aisling.

"But even one admirer is enough to make us worry." Her throat still stung a bit from the coughing, but she smiled and then took another sip of tea once it had died down a bit further. "But it will happen with time, so they will have to  how to navigate such interests."

And she could hope that they took more after Tarron than after her. "We don't have any plans for Valentine's itself, but it's our anniversary soon after, so we'll be spending the weekend away. It's been too long since we've had much time to ourselves. I'm especially looking forward to the beach." She wiggled her toes inside her shoes, thinking of sand. Mmm, but bare feet and sand sounded so wonderful.

It was far easier to think of than the upcoming weekend, as well. "Do you have any plans, then, or just a quiet weekend? I'll admit that I'm planning to take advantage of the sales on chocolate afterwards." At least the girls would enjoy it, even if she couldn't eat too much.

"With both your busy schedules, I'm certain you'll enjoy the time away," she smiled slightly, her smile dimming as the conversation turned to her own plans.

"No, but I can't say I'm broken up about it." She cradled the tea in her hands, then took a sip. It was what it was - she doubted plans would magically appear this close to the holiday. Though Aileen had some mixed feelings about that too, mostly she felt relieved. No singing flower gram from her recently engaged ex-husband (she hoped). No scolding from her mother about whichever date she did choose. And no putting up with other couples out in public. The pros outweighed the cons... for the most part.

"It might be nice to have the house nearly to myself this weekend," she smirked. "Hogsmeade weekend, of course. I'm still trying to sort out what in the world Abby's plotting," Aileen shook her head. "Owls have been flying in and out of her room for weeks. There are days when she just looks at me and dissolves into a giggling fit."

Focusing suddenly on Aisling, her expression took on the intent look of someone far too used to her teenage sister's romantic delusions. "She hasn't said anything to you, has she?"

Aisling nodded at Aileen's comments. There was so much to do here at home, and even more so with another child on the way. She never did tend to realize just how tired she was until she'd had a chance to rest.

"I'm certain that you're quite busy as well, so do enjoy the weekend." She chuckled at the mention of Abigail and shook her head. "She's been in a good mood, and asked me a few questions about charms. I couldn't say what she intends, though."

She shifted a little, turning her head towards the doorway. "Have you seen the library yet? You might enjoy some of the Runes books, we've managed to find a few rare ones over the years."

The library was something she'd put a bit of work into, from divination tomes to Muggle novels.

Charms. Aileen’s eyebrows drew together, looking a tad disappointed when Aisling didn’t know much else. It would make more sense for Abby to confide in Raine or Sasha, anyway.

“No, I can’t say that I have,” she followed her glance to the doorway, rising a moment after she did. She would not be surprised if Aisling and Tarron’s collection vastly surpassed her own.

As they neared the library, Aileen couldn’t help but comment, “Thank you, once again, for gifting me with Tapendra’s books.” A wry smile tugged at her mouth. “I’ve not yet told him I started reading them. I’d hoped to glean some understanding of the material first.”

She glanced at Aisling, “Doing the Impossible in particular is aptly titled.”

The library was one of the most well-loved rooms within the home, dark red wood paneling the walls, upholstered chairs and small tables placed next to them. And books everywhere, shelves around all the walls, even butting against the fireplace. Left stacked high on the tables, and a few special pieces occupying their own stands.

Aisling chuckled at Aileen's comment regarding the books as they entered. "It truly is, and I fear that I'm with such topics as I once was. There's just so much out there to learn." She took a seat on one of the comfortable white chairs and leaned back before waving her hand expansively at the books.

"Seems that I'm adding a few every week, expect that we'll need to put in more shelves soon enough. I'll probably be expanding the section on children." She couldn't help smiling at that. "The runes books are over next to the fireplace, if you're interested."