@baronwillliam asked: 😬 to rescue my muse from an unfortunate dance-card invitation by one of the Botham sisters (or their equally-regrettable cousin, Sir Heyward
" I would image humiliating myself would have a negative impact on my prospects.. " Clara's tone dripped with sarcasm, but that was mostly in an attempt to hide the nearly childish whine that would replace it. She stared down at the intricate lettering on thick paper, an invitation to a parlour-party that doubled as waltzing lessons.
" The point of the lessons is so that you don't humiliate yourself when it really matters. "
Clara was no good at all when it came to dancing. In her opinion this meant she should never do it, especially not in public. Her sister obviously did not share the same sentiments. The older woman snatched the invitation from her hands, calling Clara's attention to her.
" You don't have a choice. Come now.. the colour of this dress doesn't suit you. You need to change. "
Clara stood in a stuffy room, her fingernail scratching at the edge of a dance card she hadn't even bothered to look at yet. Her eyes scanned around the room, chuckling to herself at how the men and women seemed to naturally segregate from one another - that is until the mother, or sister, or whoever-was-escorting-young-women pulled them into an introduction. As the room settled to a dull buzz of conversation the hostess stepped forward, informing everyone participating to find their partners and prepare for the lesson. Clara finally looked down to read hers, pursing her lips at the name. Sir Heyward. Immediately - and without her permission - her nose scrunched up, surely giving her a terribly sour expression. She had never met the man.. but she had met his cousins, and if he was anything like them...
" Sorry, could you point me in the direction.." She trailed off, holding the card up so that the woman she had stopped could see. Clara watched as the woman's lips twitched, threatening a smirk, but she fought it away as her eyes scanned the room.
" Just there. " She instructed, nodding her head towards the man in question.
Clara sighed, taking one more moment to stare down at the name expertly written and gather herself. Finally, with a quick shake of her head to send the stray hair from her eyes, Clara began making her way across the room.