Unable to advance questline with Desma Valavani

Have received the quest The Voice of Reason from Aurelio, but it is stuck at the first step - Talk to Desma Valavani. Talking to her makes it appear as though there is a quest dialogue to reach, however none pop up. There is also a quest '!' above her head which will not go away.

Talking to her only leads to the following dialogue paths:

- I was hoping to ask you some questions.

- I'd best be off.

This is possibly because I had picked up one of Desma's notes, which triggers the quest A Chemist's Research. Unsure if this is a progression blocker - will attempt to progress and update when necessary.

EDIT: Crafting the potion and pouring it on the Mushroom resolves this part of the quest and reopens dialogue with Desma. Talking to her afterwards reveals the dialogue line of "Are you Desma?", and The Voice of Reason is able to progress.