There, that was better. He had to smile, though - obviously Bellatrix had been her usual charming self.
Alicia,
You've had experience with insanity lately? You should take a day off from work then, if the goblins are driving you to that end.
And honestly, I have no idea who's on the guest list - I try to avoid that when I can, so Mother doesn't try to pull me into the planning of it all.
And while the distractions of the Quidditch game were terribly brilliant, I think something a bit more sedate is appropriate for one of Mother's parties - discussions about things that are corns, bunions, and aching joints?
And a woman like you would have said no already if you'd planned to - or not owled back at all.