ed hers in return, pushing her cheeks higher until they wouldn't lift anymore. They would hurt later, that was certain. He turned her and she again mirrored

your presence before today. Is this your first ti

her voice. "It is. It is my very first time. I

s, my family and I, every time there i

nvited to Carlisle Crest?' She turned on the spot as d

reat as this, it is still quite a beauty itself, if I do say so myself. And I do!" He laug

n. He smiled, bringing his hand lower on her back. She raised her eyes to his and noticed how much his glint had changed. He was no gentleman. She gave a

t. "How big i

a second. "I presume it to fit

s not at all s

My father is successful, I would have you

's fortune is, and how well they can manage it

e scoffed. "Of

n do you want?" H

loss. "I do no

eyes popped. "I want a big famil

married to Mr. Jones. "Yes, we do. And twelve is a perfect

was another to

much." She replied her par

l read and in my opinion, someday, in a faraway future I pray, capitalism wo

clapped twice, as did other men to the dance and they continued. "My sister loves to read too. She loves to study maps

one with t

colour from their Fitzgerald grandmother, whilst Lucy's hair was as stringy as Uncle Fitzwilliam, Beth's tried to

She is not a

from her soliloquy. "

be beautiful. It shoul

else to say. "And what should be expected of

e sense of acquiring wealth. O

" She smirked. "You are an i

amaze mysel

was over, she refused his request for another and

onversations

e acquainted with ea

r. He is hardly present you should know, but I very much enjoy the balls. The brandy r

piqued. "Discussi

e. How to help the poor, needy and homeless, tax reduction; by and by,

. "Such discussions should reach the ear of the King. They would be quite helpful. For exampl

." Then, "I must say

e smile to remain in place and spoke through clenched te

ere with y

to propose after one dance? Did he want to make his intention known to her family? To her Uncle? "

nights ago at White's. How could he think that women should be allowed their own

house? He was wrong! Aunt Marrily might be a bit outspoken, and opinionated, but she respected Uncle Fitzwilliam a great deal and would never undermine his auth

elf? That is such a silly

s not worthy of her conversations, or her hand in marriage, she decided. For herself. She cou

her group of men and another round of dancing. Each man was as boring as the last. False smiles and untrue agreement were her weapon against them all.

immerse beauty. She scoffed. They were unbelievable! She was a beauty, but she would not waste it on disappointing men. She wasn't vain, neither did she glory in her beauty – except when necessary. She had tried to learn the art, to use her beauty to

nsuspecting prey into mar