Charity events were a sure enough way to get Evangeline out of the house. She had a difficult time with society events sometimes, but something like this, with a purpose--or, rather, a purpose that wasn't just some hostess wanting to show off her party planning skills--was an easy thing for Eva to attend.

Mind you, that didn't make charity events any more interesting than the average society event. But at least Evangeline didn't feel quite so much like she was wasting her time when it was for a good cause.

She was about to make her way to the refreshment table when someone sidled up next to her, and she was pleased to see a friendly face when she turned towards him. "Dean! Lovely to see you." She peered at the drink he was holding. "What are you drinking? I was about to get something for myself."

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