That made Anto laugh, and without invitation he sat down at her couch. "I hope you don't mind my familiarity Lady Blair, but given the closeness of our brothers, I was hoping I could lean on your expertise as a woman." For a heartbeat Blair froze, Anto was seven years her senior but still unwed, and she didn't want an uncomfortable conversation to follow. "My brother Borka is Courting Lady Deepa Ram, and I have noted that of her sisters, the young Lady restricts herself to wearing bracelets." Blair was thankful it wasn't an awkward attempt to Court her, but now she was confused as to what he wanted her help with, "would it be amiss for Borka to gift her a Polumenta broach?"
"You have a sister," Blair couldn't help pointing out, Ćeda had Debuted at the same time Alaric had. 
"And my sister is about as fashionably minded as a fence post," he wasn't wrong, "and while you seem to avoid most Social Events with purpose, I can't help but point out that of the few you do attend, you're always exceptionally attired."
Now Blair was back to wondering if he was trying to flirt with her but was being coy about it. It was a better approach than mentioning her 'child bearing hips', but it was just as exhausting. "I don't think it'd be amiss if they're at a serious stage in their Courting, especially as its fairly clear each of the Ram sisters wears specific jewellery as helpful identifiers for our sakes," she didn't point out how by being wit Borka, Deepa would have her own unique look now. 
"That is quite useful guidance Lady Blair, thank you," he hadn't crossed any lines yet, and his family had helped hers recently, so Blair ignored the fact that he'd invited himself to sit with her. "May I ask what fashion trends you've been regarding for the Polumenta Opera? I happen to know the Faberge style is quite popular for it despite the near July temperatures."
"I hadn't been," Blair decided blunt honesty was once again her best defence, "I had no intention of attending it; I happen to be here today for a regular summer wardrobe selection." 
"Oh," Anto looked surprised, "I thought after to attended Lord Clayton's Event and the Masquerade that you might rejoin the Season."
There it was. 
"That would be my fault, Lord Polumenta," this time the familiar voice belonged to Clayton Wignell, "Lady Blair helped me plan and attended the Event, both as a personal favour."
Blair managed to snap her teeth around a sarcastic response, giving Clayton an arched brow instead, "Lord Anto Polumenta, may I introduce my brother Alaric's friend, Earl Clayton Wignell; Lord Wignell, Lord Anto is the eldest brother of my brother Calvin's friend Danilo."
"We've met; Lords Wignell and Briggs Debuted the same year Ćeda did," Anto smiled but didn't stand up despite etiquette calling for it, as Clayton outranked him. Now Blair wished she had whiskey, a good pissing match needed something stronger than wine. "I believe you departed on your Tour shortly after your Debut; its such a shame you had to return, but I am certain my sister Ćeda will be thrilled to see you at our Opera."
"Is there bad blood between you two gentlemen?" Blair decided subtlety was not the better part of valour today, "or are you having this masculine confrontation on my behalf?"
Despite the accusatory tone she did nothing to hide, Clayton flashed her a bright smile, "no confrontation needed Blair, you know me. I merely wanted to find you outside of a formal Event to accept the terms of our Courtship that you laid out."  
"Excellent," Blair's tone wasn't celebratory, "it seems I will need to pick an outfit for the Opera after all, if you two don't mind I'd like to be left alone to make my selection." She wouldn't seek retribution now, it'd be far more satisfying if Clayton didn't know when to anticipate it.