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“Poppycock,” snorted Alice “I want you to wear it, so you should”

Edmund’s raised an eyebrow and folded his arms across his chest “Alice!” His voice rose and ended with a slight hiss

She gave hi… that’s all I mean, it’s your decision” She e, would he? She did not wish to find out and kept her mouth shut for the rest of the journey

Arriving at the Asserand roo

“Colonel Seymour and Mrs Seymour!” Boomed the announcer at the doorway

Alice swept into the room with as much aplomb as she could muster

The Rooms were laid out in a traditional fashion with the ballrooroup of musicians, the card room, which Edmund showed little interest in and a supper room for refreshments The Master of Cere her place in the dance and when called out, she and Edmund joined the lines of dancers

Edreatly pleased Alice, but after three rounds of cotillion, Edmund retired and Alice could only watch others perform the quadrille There was, uests, a de, with its contact between partners, elicited either a frown of disgust or a sue

“What a most intimate style of dance, do you not think, Edmund? I do hope it catches on quickly” She tapped a foot in time with the rhythmic beats

Her husband grimaced “I do not think it is appropriate”

Alice’s foot halted in disappointood”

“Soon Let hters of our town’s most esteemed families I’m sure your natural friendliness and lack of shyness will assist you innew friends, dearest,” he said dryly Alice cheerfully ignored the sardonic tone and went upon his arreet his chosen acquaintances

Withinladies keen to kno she had caught the renowned Colonel Seymour

“A family friend,” had been her answer each tiive by Edh not a lie, it felt like a half-truth She had barely known Edement

As they lass of sherry