th truly did not intend to marry. The ball was welcoming to all who loved and hated attention. The hall was large and accommodated the peers of the gentry, for as many that could visi

no time in passing them over to whichever gentleman came to ask for a dance. By the time Beth had her f

Lucy and Gwen dance with their respective partners, laughing gaily and enjoying themselves. Although Lucy looked quite tired as well, she seemed to be hav

ftly she turned away. She had danced enough. She continued to watch her cousin and her sister dance. When Lucy met her eyes, she toasted with an almost empty glass. Lucy's smile brightened. When she saw her Aunt ap

if she dared to utter such words in this sacred place of male and female gathering. "I'm just tired. I thought to e

. Let me know if you need help getting to a

be the first to know." She exhaled when her Aunt left to greet the other la

e is just too determined

d out. "How was your dance? Trust you enjoyed every

elped herself to a glass of wine while Beth switched her almost empty glass for ano

sk him to dance?" S

sipped. "You are one to give such counsel when you would

here I

m to misjudge me; he should rather seek to woo

miled back, Gwen inclined her head and saluted with her glass like Beth had done e

art to pursue me; for now, another dance is all I wish. He's a wonderful man." Her eyes se

k to marry; she was scared for her and feared that the past would one day seek to hurt her. Her eyes found Lucy in the crowd and came back to

esponse, the dance becoming faster than before. It fell in tune with the music. Lucy switched her partner mid-dance, obeying the rules of the dance. Sir P

e you are not deluded to think yo

ove after one dance. But I know love is out there and somed

th couldn't understand her sister in the slightest. Gwen t

t marriage in theory and in practice. I know why you hate the littlest idea of

h the idea? I can't fathom th

ds marriage, a home, and the slightest possibility of love and happiness, then he has mos

ather force you

"You misconst

er. "Don't you ever think about it?" She stared into

minded of his rejection and his crude and shameful alliance, and the thought of giving up and crying surfaces." She smiled again. "But th

od or bad, I wan

uld rather live and die an old maid,

die an old gentlewoman. Peaceful and somewhat fu

a wine glass. Beth declined. "I would rather you think again, for I am looking up to

lsewhere dear; I won't wed, no

oes Aunt Marrily. Look." She gestured with a jerk of her head. "She comes again with another set of gentlemen, ever eager