The Occlumens arched a brow in quiet amusement as Farren vehemently denied any romantic entanglement between herself and O'Dwyer back in their school days. Pyxis was certain she was telling the truth as she saw it, but he could also recall the way her cheeks would tinge slightly pink in his presence or the furtive glances they'd share when they thought no one was looking. There had definitely been a spark there though not one the former Slytherin had ever cared to encourage. Pyxis knew her daughter running off with the eccentric eldest son of an uncommonly liberal family was not something Victoria Abercrombie would ever accept unless forced to by Farren's grandfather Spencer.
"We were hardly close enough to share such confidences particularly if they involved a cousin I'm known for being rather protective of" he offered coolly, not at all pleased with the accusation she'd made. As if he'd ever betray her. Tease her when the mood struck or berate her when she behaved in an unseemly manner in public yes, but betray her? Never! The Occlumens took a deep breath and used his skill in the more passive mind art to push away the annoyance he felt to be analysed and dealt with at a later date. Farren had just shared something monumental with him and the last thing she needed was him getting prissy over a token remark.
Pyxis nodded and offered a warm smile as she confirmed he was the first to know of the clandestine affair between her and O'Dwyer. He was honestly surprised she hadn't shared it with her cousin Bellona first, but then he had the means of ensuring no one would ever learn of her secret from him.
The Pureblood listened patiently as Farren tried to justify her relationship with O'Dwyer speaking of the riches and diamonds such a union would bring to the table. However, what Farren should have remembered better than anyone was that money wasn't everything. There was a reason those new to their wealth, the nouveau riche, were treated with silent disdain by higher society. Education, breeding, class, a proud love of the rich culture they'd been brought up in and a desire to pass it on to the next generation were just as important. Were these things Declan O'Dwyer with his eccentric ways could bring to the table? Even with his wealth. Pyxis doubted it and he was quite certain Farren's parents and grandfather would come to the same conclusion.
He let out a soft sigh, a clear sign of the exasperation he felt when she requested he promise to offer her support, while radiating feelings of such love he wouldn't be surprised if every witch or wizard in the room with Legilimency skills felt it. It was a request that went against everything Pyxis Abercombie had been raised to believe. He was to be the model son of House Abercrombie dutifully obeying every edict of their patriarch. However, while it wasn't something he often dwelled on. He did truly love his Cousin Farren and wanted to see her happy. Pyxis had seen the effect a loveless marriage had on her, and it wasn't something he wanted to see again. So if O'Dwyer made her happy...
"I promise. I will offer whatever support I can, although truthfully I'm not sure how much use that will be." He was of course referring to his relatively low place in the ranking of their family. Pyxis didn't have the advantages Farren had. The future of their line didn't lie in his hands and he was under no delusions about Farren's grandfather's willingness to disown him if he crossed the line.
The Pureblood took a discreet look around him. His mental senses gently extended outwards to gently brush against the minds of those closest to them lest they be using Legilimency or some other magical means to listen in on them. He didn't find a spy, but well, well, well wasn't that interesting.
He gently linked his arms with Farren's and with clear purpose directed her into the crowd. It was not long until they were in clear sight of his Cousin new paramour. "Mr. O'Dwyer" He called out in a cool tone before inclining his head towards Farren. "It's not often I see you at events like this. How are you keeping these days? How are the family?" He offered with the seemingly polite civility expected of two acquaintances that hadn't run into each other in a while. Mentally, however, it was a different story. He silently thanked Odhrán for the recent practice in pushing forward thoughts as it enabled him to create a connection between his mind and that of the Irish Man. As was common with Legilimency the message sent was more a series of images and memories than words, but the intent behind them was clear.
He accepted and would support the two of them, but if Declan ever did anything to hurt Farren beyond the minor quibbles expected of a married couple he would destroy him.