“I suppose we must,” Gretchen agreed, though really it would have suited her mood far more to remain outside and she wouldn’t be altogether against Cassius remaining too. She had never given much thought to her most amenable cousin – and she doubted he had her – but perhaps when she was of age they might become better friends?

God knows she was probably going to need one when she debuted and at least she would have someone to dance with. (Though he was not the man she kept having dreams of…)

“After you.”