[While Dancing Meme from @eldritchsign for Basil.]
”May I have this dance?” ------------
Only years of practice kept relief from Thera's face at the familiar voice. She'd been in the process of trying to decide exactly why she'd been invited to this party - manners, as decoration, or because word had spread through the community about a single woman of considerable means, who must surely be looking for a husband to get his hands on help her manage it.
There was no shortage of takers. Or at least that might be one of the reasons they gathered around her like smiling sharks contemplating a feed. Her polite smile was starting to become fixed when Basil's mild tone reached her ears, and she turned to him just a little too quickly.
"Major Ashford," She greeted, the smile turning genuine, "how wonderful to see you!" Thera held out her hand, exhaling softly. "You most certainly may!"















