Alice declines. Let the man WISH he could get her attention!

"I see no reason to rise to your bait, Private," Alice declares haughtily. "We move in different social circles; to be frank, I'm surprised even to see you at this party. Usually it's officers - men who know how to treat women - only."

"Aye, well, I won a lottery to this stupid thing," Barnes says with a scowl. "You'll not come, then?"

"Certainly not," Alice retorts. "I wish you good evening."

Stiffly, Barnes bows. "To you as well." Then he steps close and says, quietly enough that no one else will overhear, "But I still think I ain't been wrong about a whore yet. You think I don't know how to treat a woman? I reckon one day I'll get you on your knees and by the time I'm done with you you'll just be begging for a go at my cock." He steps back, smiling viciously. "Good night, Miss Foxhaven."

As he departs, Alice shudders slightly, then steadies herself. What a horrid man! Taking a deep breath, she looks around the room. Apparently she'll have to speak to a man herself, rather than waiting for one of them to approach her. Casting about, the only interesting prospects not currently in conversation seem to be that sullen-looking man who came in with Mr. Twilwell - Vickery, she thinks his name was - and another soldier...this one, though, is a captain, according to his insignia. He has a chiseled face and unkempt dark hair, which is appealing. And presumably he - unlike his men - knows how to conduct himself.