Will hadn't stopped smiling in days. The meeting with Diana's father wasn't without its bumps (the impromptu visit the day before raised a few concerns) but somehow or another Will had managed to convince Mr. Fawley to consent to the courtship. It was a relief, really, for if he hadn't Will likely would've asked Diana to elope. She wouldn't, of course, to do so would ruin her completely. He just knew he could no longer live without her.

The gala tonight was to be their first public outing as a courting couple. He had meant to call upon her at least once over the past few days, but his mother had required an endless amount of assistance. Tonight, though, he belonged solely to Diana, and he couldn't be happier.

"Good evening, Ms. Fawley." Will greeted with a broad grin. It was then that he took in the changes to her gown and he froze midstep. There were enough blue sparkles about her to ensure the dress wasn't bridal white, but it was so close to what he thought a wedding gown to be that he had to reassure himself that tonight was in fact not their wedding. "You look lovely."