"Just be honest with him. Tell him how you feel," Andromeda offered in earnest.

Narcissa, who had spent most of the conversation hidden behind a catalogue—that featured tea sets, doilies, and the like—snorted loudly. Cheeks flushed, Narcissa dropped the catalogue and stammered over her words as she tried to placate her older sister.

However—

Like clockwork, Bella started her usual diatribe.

"Is this funny to you? Am I that entertaining, Cissy? Should I quit school and become some sort of show girl?"

Andromeda intervened quickly. "Leave her alone, Bella. You know she didn't mean to laugh at you."

▼ s e v e n t y - t w o ▲ : it's not personal.