Christmas was very far from being a highlight of Gretchen’s calendar. Quite apart from the fact it was proceeded by weeks of having to listen to her classmates witter on and on about the simply marvellous plans they had with their families it was even more marked at this time of year that Gretchen was not the festive sort and it was impossible for others not to notice.

Thankfully she had managed to navigate this party without anybody noticing that she had taken the somewhat unexpected invitation purely because the alternative was spending an evening with just her aunt and cousin. Being dipped in pond slime was preferable to that particular fate so Gretchen was content enough to be ignored by her chaperone and stealthily help herself to Mrs Prewett’s champagne.

It was made all the easier when a young man proffered a fresh glass towards her, completely blocking her chaperone’s view. Was it deliberate? She didn’t know him so he could be a notorious seducer of young ladies - Merlin knew her step-mother wouldn't have the sense to warn her.

Cautiously she took the glass and raised an eyebrow.

“And how would you know how the hostess feels sir?”

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