Grace laughed, but she hastily covered her mouth and regained her composure before she could get any any louder. "It is alright, Mr. Echelon-Arnost," she said, lowering her hand to reveal the smile that her mother had made her practice. It was not proper to smile so widely, she'd said, and certainly not at a gentleman. "I confess I share your opinions, whether or not a girl in my position is meant to." She was not meant to, and she could almost hear Mother's scolding voice repeating the sentiment. She was supposed to be demure and elegant, not withdrawn and too honest for her own good. Luckily, she did not think Mr. Echelon-Arnost would think less of her.
