Chapter 44: Small Talk and Other Vices

“We’re three minutes early,” Alastair reminds her. It’s not his fault the fashion these days was to arrive absurdly early.

“And this must be…” Violet ignores him in favor of addressing Oliver.

“Daisy,” Oliver replies, which is bold.

Alastair had thought Oliver would stay as quiet as possible to keep from being detected, but perhaps that was even more suspicious. He has gotten very good at being Daisy.

“Daisy,” Violet repeats, very clearly trying to make the name sound pleasant in her mouth.

She does a poor job at it and wrinkles her nose when Oliver offers his hand. Violet grabs just the tips of his fingers is the sorriest handshake Alastair has every seen. However, so long as she seems oblivious to the fact that Daisy is simply Oliver in disguise, neither of them can fret much over Violet’s haughtiness.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Oliver goes on with a soft smile. “Your house is beautiful.”