Amaryllis had the purest heart known to mankind.  As such, obviously her fantasies took on the sweetness that one would expect from a fairy tale story.  The worst thing she could conjure in a man was the idea that he would love golf.  Prim could imagine a thousand things that would make someone imperfect far beyond that.  Thankfully though, she was not asked to elaborate.  Instead, she smiled warmly at her and rolled her eyes.  “All of the other rumors will just have to do!” she declared and winked – poorly at her. 

Granted, most of those rumors were about her right now – but, small details.  Negligible in the long term.  She’d laughed about it with Cepheus – perhaps next Christmas they’d both walk in with someone else and all of the marriage speculation would go up in a burst of bluebell flames.  Cepheus’ circumstances would surely be more noteworthy, but it would absolve both of them of the rumor mill.  Or turn her into the poor victim of a closeted man’s desire to hide his true feelings.  Now that would be quite the story for Witch Weekly. 

Thankfully though, the subject shifted back to what she was going to wear. “I think,” she started critically, “if he’s suggested a more date-like location, a dress is not out of the question.  Ascendio is nice, you wouldn’t be out of place at all.”  She could think of quite a few things that her sister owned already that would fit the bill. 

Prim listened with a critical ear.  Amaryllis was worried about appearing too eager – her silly friends had cautioned her against it and probably talked all the time about not seeming too interested or waiting at least a day before owling back – nonsense like that.  Being aloof was one of Prim’s specialities, but she didn’t do that when she was interested in someone, not really.  She was private, but she was not aloof.   

“As for going to both, if he’s invited you, why wouldn’t you?” she quirked her eyebrows, trying to understand her sister’s – and her ridiculous friends’ – logic.  “It sounds like he’s asking – you didn’t just invite yourself,” she expanded.  “I always assume if you are interested in someone, you should let them know.  If you’re too shy or afraid to show that you like them, what interest would he have in continuing to see you?” 

"Well..." Maree began, trying to piece through Prim's logic. "I mean... you don't think that's too much?" Well, obviously.

It was good it was dark. She was blushing. "I mean, I think it's safe to say he's interested. With the real date, and the birthday and...succulents. But, don't guys like the chase? If they think a girl's all doe-eyed, she's uh," she tried to think of what Veronica had said, "'docile and done.'" Something like that. "I want him to know I'm interested--that's why I said yes to the date! But the birthday party.. what if I don't know anyone else? And then, what if he doesn't have much time to talk to me? Should I bring another friend? Or does that make me unapproachable?" She probably shouldn't bring Veronica. "OH!" she said, eyes widening. "You know Flynn! You should come!"

Flynn's sister might be there, too, and that could be good. Oh, but Audrey could be intimidating. And the two of them together--blonde, elegant, refined... there'd be no approaching them. And even Maree might not feel comfortable around the two of them. Which had been the original point.

Oh, but how could she uninvite Prim, now? In a timid voice, she added, "Will Audrey be there, do you think?" Would Audrey like her? Oh, Merlin. Would she be meeting the family even before the first date?! Not that this was unheard of in their circle of the Wizarding world--particularly among purebloods. With the extent some families mingled, sometimes you could get everything short of the parents' permission before even going out to dinner. But still.  Maree felt herself blushing further still.

This was a disaster.

Prim didn’t understand where all of this analysis was coming from.  Out of all of the Woolfolks, it wasn’t like Amaryllis to be so neurotic.  It was somewhat endearing: clearly, she really liked Flynn.  However, everything she was talking about sounded decidedly not like her.  Maree was sweet  and genuine.  Whatever she was talking about, it sounded more like her ridiculous friends and Marigold than it did the sweestest of the Woolfolks. 

“First of all,” Primrose settled her hand on her sister’s arm, hoping it would give her something to anchor onto instead of the stream of thoughts clearly swirling about her head, “you have to stop listening to your friends.” 

They continued over the grass, the warm lights eminating from the windows of the house getting closer with each step.  “You’re going to be fine and you’re very personable.  Even if you don’t know that many people, I’ve never met someone more instantaneously likeable than you,” she smiled warmly and bumped her shoulder against Maree’s.  “Besides, Flynn isn’t my friend and if you bring me I will definitely not know anyone and I am nowhere near as friendly as you – you’ll be tethered to my side all night,” this seemed like a reasonable enough way to get out of it.  She was also mostly sure Audrey would feel the same way and wouldn’t be there for a very long time, if she was at his friend party at all. 

“But,” Prim stopped them and turned so she could stand directly in front of Maree.  She put her hands right above both of her elbows, giving a small squeeze along with a comforting smile.  “It’s just a date – it’s just a party,” she tried to ground her in the concrete of this situation.  “Have fun, be yourself, and for the love of all things good, please stop listening to Veronica.  You are perfect the way you are and all of this,” she let go and gestured freely to the air around them, “will go just like it’s supposed to.” 

She hooked their arms again and tugged her forward with a bright smile, “Now, why don’t we get inside – out of this weather,” she exaggerated a shudder, “and have Gingy get us some tea si we can comb through your closet?”