Clearly, whatever his rationale it would not be enough to dissuade his sister from her mission. He knew when to admit defeat and this was one of those times. It was evident that whether he liked it or not there would be a birthday party in honor of the rather unspectacular age of one and thirty in Percy’s life. Now all that was left was to steer her toward something he might actually be able to tolerate since he won’t be able to skip out.

Besides, he’d have given in with the excitement that lined Lissy’s face at planning such an event. Nevermind that she might be planning her wedding instead of a birthday party, but she had her reasons and he wouldn’t dare press her on those.

“Is it really necessary to rent out the hall?” Really it wasn’t as if there would be that many people, he was sure the small gathering could be contained to the Adlard home. And then she said masque and he knew he was doomed to a larger gathering than he’d like. Masque weren’t terrible though, at least he could blend in with the guests and it would take the attention from him. “Perhaps.” Percy took a sip of his tea before it cooled too much. “Wouldn’t you rather just host a ball than a birthday party?” He added superstitiously, hoping she might latch onto the idea.