The smile that spread across his lips was one of the most handsome sights Sisse was sure she had ever seen. He ought to smile like that more often, in fact, in that split second consideration she found herself realizing she likely would do anything to get him to smile like that again. It felt as if they understood each other perfectly in that moment and her heart seemed to beating rapid wings against her chest.

Another time. Sisse's eyes light up, her joy almost felt like it was overspilling. There were so many things that implied, the happiness that soared through her accompanied by something else she couldn't quite understand. "If it means you will attend more assemblies, then most certainly." She tried to sound polite, like a lady, but she knew her joy broke through the words. Oh to be dancing with him once again would give her something to look forward toward.

Sisse might have said more if they hadn't been interrupted by a Mr. Lingon who had come to claim Sisse's hand for the country dance that the musicians were queuing up. The eager young man hardly gave her time to be divested of her lemonade, let alone say anything further to Mr. Bixby. But she smiled at him over her shoulder, a smile, a hope, a promise as she was led away.