Christmas Ball Dancing- Xmas 1677

[Blackguard]

In this thread, you will be allowed one summary post only to describe your characters actions and flirtations. I will reply with one summary post per couple and then the dance is at an end. It will help conserve my moderation for conversations between dances, which tend to be more meaningful. Country dances are more energetic and allow less conversation. Stately dances are more formal and allow some brief conversation when the dancers draw close.

 

The first dance will begin tomorrow (Monday May 30) and will be held open a couple of days before I will announce preliminaries for the second dance. The first dance will be a country dance and then I will alternate. As soon as you have found a partner for the first dance, you can post.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Charles and Sophia

 

They were among the first couples to reach the dance floor and Sophia dropped her hand from Lord Chatham's arm and took her place across from him. As they waited for the musicians to start playing, she asked: “So when did you visit Venice, my lord? We might have been there at the same time.”

[Douglas FitzJames]

Douglas and Frances

 

The first dance was a lively country dance, which didn’t leave much time or breath for talking, but in many ways Douglas preferred that, it gave them freedom to enjoy the dance itself; and there was much that could be said without words. He was enjoying it, particularly because he was dancing with Frances, a lady who had caught his interest for unusual reasons. She was a puzzle one that bore further investigation.

 

The big Scotsman wore a smile on his gaunt features as the two faced each other, passed and turned the other way, cornflower gaze rarely leaving her face. He was an acceptable dancer, graceful in the way that athletic men are, and he moved with energy and enthusiasm. Yet he was careful to keep his steps to that which his shorter partner could manage. After all, in a dance, a man should be the foil which allowed the lady to show her abilities and charms. Early to the floor, they had secured a prime place, and he moved to allow her to use that to her best advantage.

 

He thought they complimented each other well; her silver gown set off by his black outfit with the silver trimmings, they might almost have dressed to match. A brief pairing before they each moved on no doubt, but as one of the first pairs on the dance floor, Douglas considered that dancing in Frances’ company was an excellent way to start the evening, and his smile and attention showed that.

 

The dance moved them past each other and about other partners, but in the way of such weavings, brought them back together again. As the music wound down Douglas applauded Frances and the other ladies. "A lively start tae th'een." He declared, approvingly. "An' in the mos' charmin' o' comp'ny. Thank ye, Yer Grace."*

 

He offered her his arm as they walked from the dance floor.

 

Subtitles

* A lively start to the evening. And in the most charming of company. Thank you, Your Grace."

[Blackguard]

OOC~ Apologies for the late post. The first dance is a country dance named "snowball," aptly enough. Country dancing is different from formal dancing in that there is usually a line of gentlemen and a line of ladies. The dance partners will touch hands and arms and the line will change, as will the partners on occasion. It is more of a group dance, so there is little chance to converse with your partner except right before and right after a dance.

 

A formal dance, in contrast, is with one partner and measured steps.

 

So please use one post to describe the thoughts and generally demeanor of your character throughout the dance and I will reply likewise. If two PCs are dancing together, I would ask that you adopt a similar format and then converse in either the main thread, or you can exit to a side thread.

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Sophia

 

It is a simple fact that merely to walk with a beautiful woman on your arm is one of life's great joys.

 

Charles luxuriated in the feeling as he and Sophia made their way to the dance floor and took their places. He had thought to give a quick scout for John, so as to rub his success in his friend's face, when she asked her question.

 

"I first arrived in Venice for Carnivale 1676 and stayed for some months. Well my lady, do we overlap?"

 

Further conversation was postponed, as the musicians struck up and the dance began.

 

A country dance, Killigrew said. Perfect.

 

Contrary to what he had told Sophia, Charles was a perfectly competent dancer, entirety as skilled as one would expect from one of his breeding and standing. Though by no means exceptional, he had a natural athleticism that helped to compensate for any minor technical failings.

 

Though I will confess to some small measure of relief that my skills have not atrophied.

 

Ordinarily a man who, when not soused in opium, radiated a sense of barely restrained energy, the sense of uncomplicated pleasure Charles took from simply moving was almost palpable. He beamed at the world in general as he flowed through the steps with graceful abandon.

 

All too soon, the music stopped. Charles gave Sophia a short bow and offered her his arm once again as he straightened.

 

"Now, my lady, shall I escort you back to your husband or... ?" He trailed off, leaving the question open.

 

"I am entirely at your disposal."

[Caroline Despanay]

So the first dance was to be a country one? All the better, thought Caroline. Less time spent with this besotted twit. As enthusiastic as Caroline could be about making friends, she could just as easily quickly make decisions about those she did not like and would never change her opinion later.

 

She knew this one....Snowball. Both her mother and one of her mother's household women had taught her various dances in the event she one day would spend time in court. To call the girl an excellent dancer would certainly be an exaggeration but she would never embarrass herself either. Her mother had drilled it into the child that much of it was proper demeanor too, look like you were enjoying yourself, act confident, make eye contact, and smile. All that she could accomplish without much effort.

 

Since she did not care much for Ogle, her eyes could not help but notice other better men out there dancing too. Lord Audley, her almost gallant rescuer the night of the opera. He had taken her to the theater in his coach but he had NOT offered her a ride from the place when it was all over, in fact he had neglected to even seek her out. She was still rather peeved at that loutish behavior but her anger would have been much worse if he hadn't been such a good kisser inside that coach that night. No, she was still interested in him.

 

Oh and Lord Dundarg, now there was a good fellow and generous too, she wore the nice gloves on the trip over that he had sent her as a Christmas present. She liked him. And then the dance was over, she was back with her ....partner as the dancers dispersed from the floor. She needed to separate from Ogle as soon as possible and move on and was quite certain he would not mind in the slightest.

[Davina Wellsley]

She smiled across to the Ambassador in exchange for any actual conversation. They had quietly spoken on the short walk and on her part it had been mainly 'nothings' that required no indepth responses.

 

Snowball

 

How apt for the night!

 

The music began, the "Salute" then dancing. She was not an over-accomplished dancer but knew all the steps and she enjoyed it as well! Glad that this opener was easy she sailed thru the positions, smiled at the new Partners with Charm, and once reunited with her own made him glad that he had returned to her.

 

Once the dance was finished she intended to go directly to the Duke and claim a dance then find Charles and along the way SOMEONE for her brother.

[Catriona MacGregor]

There wasn't any real rhyme or reason for picking Peregrin, other than it possibly deflected attention from her time plotting with Rochester. But he didn't know that. So Cat put on a flirty smile and spent the dance, which didn't allow for much talking, enjoying the dance. It had been some time since she had allowed herself to just have fun.

[Aria]

Thomas and Fiona

 

There wasn't much time to talk before the dance began. Fiona gave Thomas a charming smile, curtsied deeply so he he would get a good look at her cleavage, and then flowed into the first steps of the dance. She was an excellent dancer and quite flirtatious. Each time they parted, she pouted prettily as if she didn't want to leave him and when they came back together, she made certain that her full skirts brushed against his legs. When they changed partners, she flirted with those gentlemen in the same way, unless they were old and ugly, in which case she performed the moves formally and elegantly.

 

When she and Thomas came together for the final sequence, she grinned engagingly and as the music died away, she sank into another cleavage-revealing curtsy.

[Aria]

Charles and Susan

 

After they had taken their places, Susan curtsied to him and the dance began. She was an outstanding dancer, performing the steps with grace and charm. More straightforward than inventive, she did not add creative touches but danced as she had been taught by her dance master. She was easy to dance with because she didn't show off.

 

They came together, parted, changed partners, and then came together again. She thought they danced together quite well, and she gave the handsome Earl her full attention. It was over all too soon, and she curtsied to him once more.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Charles and Sophia

 

So they had been in Venice at the same time. Sophia had left in September of 1676. Unfortunately, there was no time to reply for the music swelled around them and the dance began. As she curtsied to him, she decided not to ask him if he had seen an opera. If he had, she might have been one of the singers, disguised as an Italian with dark makeup and a black wig. As she spoke Italian like a native, even speaking didn't give her away.

 

Those thoughts fled as the dance began. Sophia adored dancing and she performed the steps with grace and youthful exuberance. She knew the 'snowball' well, and each kick, hop, and twirl came as naturally to her as if she had been born knowing how to dance. In truth, she had taken many years of lessons and had only learned the English dances during the past year. She still met with a dance master two times a week. Her new one was Spanish and and he was instructing her in the dances of the country she had married into.

 

Lord Chatham was a fine dancer, and she enjoyed dancing with him immensely. She added creative little flourishes to the steps, based on her knowledge of ballet, and she thought their styles complimented each other admirably. The petite blonde was disappointed when the dance came to an end, and she curtsied to him. Rising, she placed her hand upon his arm again.

 

“No,” she said, feigning sadness. “He will not want me to bother him while he is discussing business, for that is what he does, even at balls. I would love a glass of wine, though.” She smiled playfully. “I told you I would tell you how well you dance, my lord. I think you are a superb dancer and I enjoyed dancing with you very much.”

 

{OOC: Feel free to take them back to the main thread. .}

[Guest]

Compared to Fiona's graceful dancing, Thomas had looked like a right troll. His dancing was as clumsy as ever, although he did enjoy watching Fiona dance. He tried his damnedest to not make a fool of himself; tried and failed. He was relieved every time he had to switch partners because then he could spare graceful Fiona his "dancing."

 

Her actions were not lost on him however. He noticed she was quite the flirt. It didn't matter to him, he rather liked watching her do her thing, that and the few eyeful she kept giving him.

 

Finally when the music began to die away, Fiona gave him a grin and sank into an unnecessarily low curtsy. Thomas turned a bright shade of red, and returned her smile.

[Aria]

Thomas and Fiona

 

Lieutenant Grey was not a very good dancer, but at least he didn't step on her toes. Fiona was glad this had been a country dance and not a formal one. Country dances were more forgiving. Only when it was over did it occur to her that he might have been overwhelmed by her flirtatiousness and that was why he had been so clumsy. No matter. She wouldn't dance with him again.

 

But that didn't mean they couldn't be friends. She thought his blush was adorable. Fiona enjoyed making gentlemen blush, both in and out of the bedchamber. His smile was charming as well. She should probably go find Lord Langdon before someone beat her to him again, but she wasn't ready to leave Thomas quite yet.

 

“Thank you for a delightful dance,” she said. “I think I should like some cake.” Fiona would probably stuff herself with cake tonight. She really wanted to be the Lady of Misrule. “Would you like to join me?”

 

If he agreed, maybe she could subtly guide him under a sprig of mistletoe.

 

{OOC: Feel free to take them back to the main thread. }

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Susan

 

Surveying the two lines of dancers, Charles saw many that he knew. Catriona was with Peregrine Osbourne. How curious. Fiona was matched with someone he did not know. Perhaps that would keep her away for a time. He would note later whether she wore the ruby earrings he had sent secretly. There was Davina, with the Dutch Ambassador. Somehow he had missed her entrance and he could only afford a casual look her way to avoid suspicion. Was that Heather with Heneage Finch? That is a surprise. Had he not tasked her with kissing soldiers instead? The Royal Chancellor was hardly a soldier. Douglas was dancing with Le Belle Stuart, yet another surprise. How did he manage that?

 

Greeting the other gentlemen in line, the Earl turned his attention to his dance partner, as he should, just in time for the opening steps. The dance itself was over soon enough. One could lose oneself in the music and movement. It was an amusing and exerting diversion, with smiles to one's partner and neighbors. At times he changed partners and found himself beside some of the ladies he knew.

 

When finished and bows given, Charles escorted Susan back towards the refreshment area.

[Blackguard]

Douglas and Frances

 

The Duchess was a fine dancer. She had much practice over the years. There was really little to say to the tall Scot as they waited. Instead, she wondered what poetic challenge she might make in the future.

 

The dance went well enough. Douglas was so tall that it made some maneuvers challenging; but, it all went well enough. Though he kept her in his gaze, Frances seemed to enjoy watching the entire line and other couples as they moved, as if sizing up the abilities of the participants.

 

In the end, she offered a friendly smile and took the Scot's arm to return to the main area, thanking him for the dance. The night was still young and she knew a few more gentlemen that she planned to ask.

 

Caroline and Ogle

 

Henry seemed to be enjoying himself as he examined the line of ladies. His attention returned for the dance. He paid appropriate attention to Caroline throughout the dance. The smile on his face seemed to be genuine; yet, was it motivated by the enjoyment of the steps or his imagination run wild with what the two of them might do after the dance?

 

Not a word was exchanged until the end as he did not really know what to say. "Thank you for the dance. I'll escort you back for refreshments." It would also be under the mistletoe and young Henry was already imagining his move in advance.

 

Davina and De Vries

 

The Dutch Ambassador was a good enough dancer and complimented the lady well, knowing enough of English country dances to not make a noticeable mistake. There was no time for conversation; but, Marius was content simply to enjoy a bit of female company.

 

With bows and thanks, Davina was escorted away whereupon she freed herself to go in search of a Duke.

 

Catriona and Peregrine

 

The mystery was maintained before and during the dance. Osbourne complimented her appearance and steps all the while wondering whether his selection was random. As time passed, he began to suspect it was. It was a holiday after all.

 

He seemed to enjoy the dance and did not do anything improper in look or manner. At the conclusion, he bowed as he should and offered her escort back to the refreshment area. "Thank you for the dance. May I be of further assistance?" It was his way of leaving the door open to an explanation by the Scottish beauty.

[Caroline Despanay]

Caroline and Ogle

 

Caroline and Ogle

 

The man was certainly a competent enough dancer and managed to keep a smile plastered on his face. Mayhaps he was not quite as in his cups as she first had thought? No matter, he did not like her cello playing, thus she did not like him!

 

He thanked her for the dance then when it was over and offered to escort her off the dance floor, which she accepted with a slight nod and took his proffered arm. She was glad it was just about over so she could move on to someone more her taste in men.

 

As they cleared the floor, they paused, whether by accident or not, but just under one of the many mistletoe decorations scattered above the partygoers. She however made no moves to kiss him nor offer him any verbal encouragement to do so.

 

"Ahh, well, good evening then. Enjoy the rest of the ball," she smiled.

[Blackguard]

The second dance was about to begin. It was to be a Pavane*

 

 

 

 

OOC~ see link to video on how it is danced.

[Heather O`Roarke]

Heather and Finch

 

As Chancellor Finch let her to the dancefloor the redhead could feel eyes in her back burning. It amused her. She gave Finch as sedate, almost innocent smile even if he was unlikely to believe her. There was that sparkle of mischief in her green eyes.

 

The Countess behaved like a complete lady though, aware of every element of etiquette. This shouldn't be a surprise. She was a viscount's daughter, despite rumours how much she was raised a hoyden. What she hadn't learned in youth, she had adapted to during her court years. Above all she learned to play a role, to be above reproach when the situation demanded it. There was nothing she demanded of Finch, but to be pleasant and she offered light chatter in praise of Lady Basildon, for she was a friend of the family. "Her elegance and intelligence is missed at court," Heather sighed "Though no doubt the lady Mary is grateful for her escort. Her father misses her, though he will not speak of it."

 

Just before they left the dancefloor again, Heather laughed and briefly kissed the Chancellor, most innocently, pointing up to the mistletoe that hung over them. With a wink she parted.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Henry

 

… continued from main thread

 

After agreeing to meet him after the dance, Sophia released his arm. Curtsying daintily, she gave him only a tempting peak at her ample cleavage and took her place beside him. As the music cascaded around them, she began to dance, adding delicate little flourishes with her expressive hands. She danced lithely and gracefully, circling around Lord Arundel and gliding toward him as dictated by the steps of the Pavane. Although they did not actually touch, she smiled disarmingly each time they came together.

 

She twirled enthusiastically and her hops were exquisitely elegant. If her skirts twirled against his legs, it was completely accidental. There was nothing at all flirtatious in her form. Esteban was probably watching while engaged in his diplomatic discussions and she knew that it was important to him that she behave in a fashion appropriate to an Ambassador's wife.

 

Sophia enjoyed dancing with the handsome Earl, and delight sparkled in her ice-blue eyes. She thought they made a handsome couple and danced quite well together. Her husband's eyes were probably not the only ones on them as they performed the intricate dance together, surrounded by other couples. The blonde singer was not ready for the dance to end, and as they came together one last time, she sighed, a pretty pout gracing her full lips.

 

While the last notes from the musicians' instruments hovered about on the air, she curtsied once more, anticipating their meeting in the Walled Garden. She could use a bit of air and for once, the cold of the gardens appealed to her. Sophia was quite warm now, and while she told herself that it was because of the dancing, she wondered if the true reason was the Earl ofArundel's presence beside her.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona

 

… continued from main thread

 

Right before they separated to take their places side by side, Fiona turned her head toward Charles so that nobody else would see what she did, lowered her eyes to his groin again, and sensuously ran her tongue across her full upper lip. Promises, promises.

 

As the music began, she looked around for Lieutenant Gray, curious as to the identity of the mysterious lady who had asked him to dance through a note. She saw him in the company of an attractive older woman whom she had heard had a thing for younger men. Fiona didn't blame her for that. When she got old, she would prefer younger men too. Idly, she wondered if Thomas would become her next lover. Perhaps Fiona would one day reap the benefits of her experience if she taught him well and Fiona slept with him too. She wasn't too fond of inexperienced lovers.

 

Her current partner was delightfully experienced, and she turned her attention back to Charles and curtsied deeply, displaying her cleavage in all its glory. As it was a stately dance, there wasn't much room for flirtatious embellishments, but each time they came together she favored him with a sultry smile and when they parted, she puckered her lips and blew him a kiss. As usual, she danced with grace and performed each step flawlessly, giving the handsome Earl her full attention. Fiona would rather dance with him between silken sheets, but they would get there eventually.

 

When the dance ended, she curtsied again. “Magic, indeed. Even when we dance together, magic surrounds us. Those Fates are really trying to get our attention.”

[Charles Audley]

Charles and Lizzie

 

... continued from main thread

 

Roused from his somewhat depressing train of thought, Charles gave Elizabeth a nervous smile as they took up position and went through the pre-dance formalities.

 

"I hope I shall live up to expectation Elizabeth. I would hate to disappoint you."

 

In truth, Charles merely hoped that she was as good a dancer as she claimed. A clumsy dance partner was second only to a clumsy bed partner in terms of deleterious effect on his mood.

 

And that would quite ruin the evening.

 

The dance was a Pavane, and Charles allowed his mind to mostly switch off as he flowed gracefully through the regimented steps, making sure to favour Elizabeth with a smile every time the music brought them together. This little act was almost exhausting. And just think, the gallant paragons of gentlemanly propriety had to be even more reserved and restrained in manner and speech! How did they not die of boredom?

 

Haven't the imagination for it, obviously, or they wouldn't be gallant paragons of gentlemanly propriety.

 

The dance ended, the music fading away, and Charles bowed to Elizabeth before offering his arm.

 

"My thanks. You are an exquisite partner, especially if I am to judge from the envy of other gentlemen. What now would be your pleasure, Elizabeth?"

 

Get her under the mistletoe and then make your excuses and depart as soon as is polite. This little diversion begins to pall.

[Blackguard]

Heather and Finch

 

The Lord Chancellor was more a lawyer than a courtier. His dance skills were adequate, but perhaps a bit too wooden for a lady of Heather's taste. Nevertheless, he was a polite and friendly partner, happen to hear his niece complimented. In return, he complimented her attire and her dancing skill. The kiss was gladly given, and the happy holidays message returned. With a parting bow, he melted back into the crowd.

[Blackguard]

Sophia and Henry

 

Henry was a very good dancer. His movements were practiced and fluid. He watched her eyes as they passed one another in the dance but said nothing, as one would expect in such a formal dance. A polite smile was worn throughout and he did not appear overly solicitous of the ambassador's wife, though Sophia might be able to tell that he enjoyed the dance.

 

When they finished, he bowed and complimented her grace in the dance. He walked but briefly with her, waiting for just the right moment to tell her in a low voice, "let us part now and meet in five minutes outside." Pausing to hear her response, he made his way from her, as if seeking to meet someone else.

[Charles Whitehurst]

Charles and Fiona

 

The glances and puckers would sometimes draw color to his cheeks; but, Charles was worried that someone might notice even subtle gestures. The court was a place where everyone was watched for any sign of scandal. As for Charles, he did not return the lurid looks and displays of seduction. Rather, he gave her one wink and then adopted a semi-serious demeanor.

 

He could only pray that Davina, Catherine, and Catriona would not see Fiona's none too subtle overtures. If they did, he told himself that he would not be caught returning such flirtatious gestures. He could explain to others later that Lady Fiona had merely had too much to drink. Perhaps the most dangerous watcher would be the King, thinking it might be fun to pair Charles with Fiona; but, Charles was certain that the King would be too distracted to watch anyone dancing.

 

Charles was an accomplished dancer but not known for special flourish. Fiona almost caused him to miss a step with one of her suggestive looks.

 

After he had a chance to bow, escort her towards refreshments, and kiss her under the mistletoe, he could only whisper "speaking of magic, I plan to disappear before your eyes Fiona lest you wear down my defenses tonight," he chuckled. With that, he planned to mingle back into the crowd again. Perhaps he would seek out Catriona to dance as a way to protect himself from thinking about Fiona in a sultry way. Perhaps Davina or another lady might find him forst.

[Defiance]

Mall & Louis

 

When the young earl claimed he could not dance the woman's part, Mall giggled to herself. This dance would be a bit difficult to spontaneously switch sexes, but the Duchess knew more than a handful of gentlemen who could do it.

 

Basildon's daring went down one notch in her book!

 

She gave him a sympathetic look with her pretty blue eyes. Even a few years older than her brother, she still had some sort of captivation about her, and her face had surely kept well.

 

"I shall pity you then, my lord, and allow you to lead from the gentleman's side." Although she placed them next to her brother and Nicolette, all the better to keep an eye and ear on that, and up the pressure.

 

She was a sprightly enough dancer for such an involved dance, and whilst she spared glances for Basildon, she also took opportune moments to look toward the other two.

[Aria]

Charles and Fiona parting

 

Fiona liked making him blush and it was proof, to her, that his thoughts were on getting her alone and tearing off her clothes. That was exactly the impression she was hoping to make on him. She didn't worry what others would think of her flirtatiousness, for she had flirted with Lieutenant Grey too and would do the same with the other gentlemen she danced with tonight, as long as they were young and handsome. With Charles, though, her playfulness meant something. With most gentlemen, it was just for fun, although there were probably a few men present who could make her forget all about Lord Langdon. She had just not met them yet.

 

He didn't say anything to her comment right away but escorted her under a sprig of mistletoe for a kiss. It was just a brief kiss, and Fiona's little pink tongue darted out and lightly licked his lips before he pulled away. Was that why he was s eager to leave her? Because he wasn't certain if he could control his desire? His words seemed to suggest that she was right.

 

Fiona made a motion with her hands as if to shoo him away. “Go on then,” she urged, laughing. “Or you will be helplessly in my thrall.” She'd had her dance and her kiss and knew she could expect no more of him tonight. They would meet again, and perhaps he would not be able to get her out of his mind and she would haunt his thoughts and dreams until they were together once more.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia and Henry

 

He danced more formally than she did, and that was precisely why Sophia thought they complimented each other well. He was formal and polite; she was playful and creative. She did like the way his eyes met hers whenever they passed each other. He bowed gallantly when the dance came to an end and she blushed when he complimented her grace,

 

continued in main thread ...

[Raconteur]

Ellen and Ambrose

 

She was somehow glad that this dance was not another country set for it allowed her to show not only her partner but all those that had scoffed and made jokes at her expense that she was perhpas even better a dancer than some on the floor.

 

Her reverance was nicely done and she waited quietly by his side her fingers lightly resting in his hand as the first cords were struck. This was a measured step piece with repetitions but he would find she was not one of those that opted to 'add' little touches of ones one to further draw attentions - such as her former nemesis was doing.

 

'I just hope his skills are equal to my asking for I should hate to be the bearer of any embarrassment ....'

[Ambrose Turnbull]

Ellen and Ambrose

 

The Lieutenant made an elegant bow, no he was not a clumsy footed clod, perhaps her concern was thus put to a little rest. Ambrose, while not highly accomplished dancer, was as practiced in the form as any of noble birth, while his physical vocation increased the robustness of his movements in a way that might be alluring to the gentler sex.

 

As he made the steps, a turn here, a glide there, her earlier comment played in his mind. Confused, was his deduction of the young woman, who lamented her lack of fortune husband hinging, while also lauding her position, and with a tenacity that she'd not depart from the course her father wanted. Marry or bust, but with no suitors it was a pipe dream and she knew it (told him this herself) She'd become a spinster then.

 

But fortunately for Ambrose, her unhappy future was not his to fix. (He was lucky perhaps that she'd decided against sampling a libertine life. He might have felt honor bound to her if he'd actually seduced her!)

 

Flashing a grin he loosened his cravat a little before he performed a daring turn completing in a bow of finale to the dance.

 

Looking a little more windswept than before he gave a laugh, "A wonderful dance! Would that you were as light with your skirts as you are on your feet!" Quite possibly she'd slap, him he was no stranger to that.

[Hope]

Charles and Lizzie

 

He was utterly charming, and the way he spoke was as though he'd stepped out of a romance novel. "Oh I am sure you shall not." Adoring eyes shone up at him. Was that a halo shine around his head or just the play of candlelight?!

 

With barely suppressed excitement she reached for his hand as the dance begun - loathe to let go of it again as the steps required it, and heart then trilling again as they next touched.

 

The best part was that they were so public, Elizabeth knew, just knew, that everybody was watching them. Put that in your pipe and smoke it Fiona McBain! For women, courtship was a competitive sort.

 

For her part she did not embarrass him; much money spent on dance lessons.

 

The dance ended, the music fading away, and her future husband complimented her so charmingly. "This must be what it's like in heaven." the girl gushed breathlessly.

 

Well I think we should eat more cake, just imagine what fun it would be to fine the Misrule token." she knew exactly what her first order would be, for their banns to be read thrice instantly!" Swinging off his arm she walked alongside.