With the children safe abed under the watchful eye of their nanny, Odira Potter was free to take a rare evening out. Though seldom one for balls herself, that Mr. Keene had extended the invitation had meant she had little choice but to accept, for she would never deny her friend and so seldom was able to spend time with the busy gentleman. That he had now been promoted all but ensured she would never see him again—a bit of a dramatic declaration, she knew—which only added to the imperative.

Clad in a simple but well-constructed lavender ball gown, the tall brunette craned her neck to search for the gentleman of the hour, and her efforts were quickly rewarded. As quickly as her skirts would allow without looking like some sort of taffeta’ed gazelle, she moved across the floor until she was able to come to a halt at his side.

“I am hardly an expert on such things, but I must say your sister throws an excellent function,” Odira offered by way of greeting, smiling shyly at Mr. Keene. Promotion suited him, she thought, and for all he was not one for events such as this, he looked very dapper indeed. That, she thought wryly, was a pity for him—between his new position and his handsome appearance, doubtless half the debutantes present would be trying to sink their teeth into him tonight!

---