Month XXth, 189X — Location

Her mother had told her she was going to spend the afternoon with a friend - although conspiciously when Vera had asked who they were going to see, her mother had not told her but had given some meaningless answer and told the carriage driver to dash on. 

As it transpired the friend was Mrs. Foxwood and it was not the ladies tea she had been expecting, it was a set up - and not the first one in recent months.  Sighing deeply Vera out on her 'show face' - the socially acceptable brightness expected of all debutantes, at least until Mrs Foxwood and her mother took themselves off to a sofa on the other side of the large drawing room, comfortable enough that they were close enough to ensure that the pair didn't shag on the persian rug, but far enough away to afford some measure of privacy. 

She felt a little strained, unsure as to who's bright idea this had been - not wanting to give offence and very much not enjoying the lack of control she had over the situation.  'Have you been enjoying of the off season Mister Foxwood, has the country as many delights as the London season? her smile was slightly strained and to cover she brought her tea to her lips.  If only she knew if her usual patter would break the tension or worsen it - in matters like this, it was usually better to allow the gent to set the tone and she hoped to merlin he picked a good one.

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