Calling on Azucena
Azucena’s mother announced his arrival and when she directed him to where Azucena was waiting, he nodded. He smiled and relaxed as she told him to ignore the rules of social etiquette and refer to her as simply Azucena. Despite the undoubtedly listening ears of her mama, her insistence on his use of her name reminded him that he was in the company of a friend and though they might be describing it as a formal calling, it was just a friendly conversation.
“Azucena,” He started again, reciprocating her embrace. He could feel the petals of the flowers in the bouquet on his back as her arms were wrapped around him. He felt that he could be himself around her, truly himself and it was a relief. He smiled when she thanked him for the bouquet, glad that she liked them. “How could I forget? Lilies for my lily.” He responded, a playful glint in his eye as he ended his sentence.
“I must say, the colour of that dress complements your eyes very well. It makes them look entrancing, able to steal the heart of any man who looks into them.” He added as he took in what she was wearing. Lesson number one in the lecture his sister had given him after the whole Aurelia debacle was to always notice what a woman is wearing and ensure to compliment her if she wears it well. Being closer to his sisters than his brothers, Finch had been company to plenty of discussions about dresses and had reluctantly been taught the elements of a well-made gown and how the colour of a gown can enhance a woman’s features.
@raviola - Azucena