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Felicia walked out of the ballroom in search of a mo rooasped

Scott was just getting off one knee, and Felicia squealed and then joyfully exclaimed, “Oh, I am a wretch to have walked in on you! I knew that Scott had applied to your father, dearest, but I did not realize … oh, do forgivefor a little quiet …”

Becky came forward and shoved her hand out in front of her “We are engaged!”

Felicia hugged her fiercely Scott had told her that he had applied to Becky’s father for perreed

“We must tell Daffy at once She will be overjoyed—”

“No, Felicia This night is yours Ours will coet back before people co and find us all huddled here”

“Yes, yes, of course, you need so on her heel and hurrying out

Becky waited only long enough for her friend to leave before saying, “Now, I am off to dance with the duke”

“Are you, precious?” Scott asked, not unreasonably, considering he had rather thought she would reer at his side, “Why?”

“Because, dearest, I adore Felicia, but she does not seeh she thinks she does Neither does the duke, you see, and this nonsense has gone on long enough ’Tis time someone—namely me—handled it … him … her”

He took her hand and led her down the hall and back to the ballroo with some friends and, with a wink at Scott, moved off towards her prey

“Dance with me, Your Grace,” she said softly to him as she pulled on his sleeve for his attention

“With the greatest of pleasure … ah, a waltz,” he said and smiled fondly at her “This, however, will be our second dance of the evening Are you not concerned about the gossipers?”

She laughed “Poor dears,to chew on”