The hostess had devious intentions, of that Melody was certain. Why else have the staff go around informing the partygoers of the hidden rooms? Tomorrow's news might very well feature her moving into the room with Ben. Except, would it really be that awful if it did happen? A scandal large enough to shock her parents was likely her only way out of the marriage. Samuel wouldn't be seen wedding a hussy, and her parents couldn't force him. This stolen moment was perhaps her only way out of the marriage.

"I know...I know." She acknowledged with a wave of her hand. This was a foolish plan. For all she knew the hidden door would appear while they were still in the room and some other partygoer would find them. "He's awful, Ben. I mean - he's just...awful. And then I saw you and you were promising me happiness once and I...I didn't think." She wanted him to stay, if only for a few minutes, but she wouldn't force him.