The thought of actually putting anything into his mouth made him feel… kind of sick. Regardless, he made an attempt to eat for her sake, careful not to let anything touch the more bruised side of his mouth.

Malachi’s head tilted at her answer.

Not another masquerade, he hoped. Did that count as a date? Was he courting her? He seemed to deliberate saying anything else, but after a moment, said, “I meet people all the time, of course.”

It wasn’t a lie.

“This is really lovely, Nettie,” Malachi praised, setting the food aside in favor of staring, almost unfocused, at the embroidered handkerchief.