Evelyn was the exact opposite of Ariana. Less radiant, more discreet, with an air of genuinely happy to receive her friends. I approached her with courtesy. "Happy birthday, Lady Evelyn," I said with a polite smile.
"The decorations are magnificent. Your taste is remarkable."
She blushed slightly, visibly flattered that someone would point out the decorations she had organized instead of simply saying she was beautiful. "Thank you, young Lord Paragon. That's kind of you."
The conversation began. I asked her questions about her interests: painting, decoration, horses, feigning genuine interest.
I slipped in subtle compliments, laughed at her little anecdotes. In the space of an hour, I had secured an invitation to visit her the following week to see her new foal.
