Upon declining the cigarette, a shoulder rolled in a half-shrug only to pocket the pack, his other hand was already focused more on flicking his zippo open to strike the flame, igniting the burning embers along the end of his own stick. The initial inhale was taken while she began to rant off about the ball before smoke puffed out either side of the cigarette, his head had tilted in the process so as not to blow smoke directly in her face.
"The ball? With you?" It was quite an interesting proposal, he hadn’t particularly wanted to attend, but it was a flawless business opportunity for his own Country and purposes. ".. Sure, why the hell not." Half way through another inhale, he pulled the cigarette from his mouth and ashed it off to the side carelessly, not particularly minding if the dead embers wound up on the carpet or even wooden floor.
She watched the smoke dancing heavenwards and a smile appeared on her face. It looked so beautiful although smoking was dangerous. But that did not matter now. He was a nation. He could not die like that. Suddenly his answer lighted up her face. What? He agreed? She wasn't dreaming, was she? That could not be true. But it was. And that made her even happier. She started to grin at him. "Really? Thank you! I'm so glad you said 'yes'. This will be great!" Breath, Isabel, breath, her mind screamed as she turned around again and again. What should she wear? Did she have a dress? Could she dance? Oh my! Could she even dance? Her mind was spinning so she could not remember anything. But she knew she would dance with the Dutchman. That was for sure.
