He'd almost made it. Gods above he'd been so close. A few more steps down the walk and there would have been nothing left of Lucius save a flickering image followed by a resounding pop. And then he heard Rosalind laugh. That tinkling, melodic laughter that still sent chills up his spine no matter the nausea in his stomach at the mere thought of the woman's name.

She was that damned confusing. Always had been, to be perfectly honest.

Lucius turned slowly, facing Rosalind just in time to see her sweep into the front hall and brush past the filthy creature still somehow managing to keep a bow. The small hairs on the back of his neck tinkled and rose as she touched his arm, tilted her head to the side in that coy manner that was only hers. And she spoke. Of social protocol and the like, each carefully memorized and rehearsed word uttered with an undercurrent of that ever-present laughter. Rosalind spoke with her eyes, with the subtle movement of her hips and Lucius understood.

It made him sick. He almost followed her inside right then. A well-trained dog, salivating over something disgusting and forever naughty. Rosalind was filthy whereas everything he wanted was pure. And in that, she was almost too desirable.

He shook his head as the rain continued to pour, face a mask of polite declination. As though he could stand on the front step all bloody evening. Funny how lying was the easy part. Start with the words. Then the gestures. The face. The eyes - that was hardest bit but it came with enough time. Enough practice. Lie long enough and you could do it with your thoughts. Give it long enough and you could lie to yourself.

"Thank you for the offer, Madam Carpathose, but I must decline. You see, I have developed a nasty penchant for class - something which you are obviously lacking, cousin or no. I will tell my father that Nicholae is away and you may tell your husband that 'LuLu' called. Beyond that, I see no real reason why would should speak. Silence is golden as is a host of other virtues that neither of us could hope to reach. I believe we should at least try for the one."

Lucius gave a mock bow to the lady of the house. "Good day, Madam."

~Lucius Malfoy~