Anne

"Thank you, Mr. Twilwell," Anne murmurs, blushing slightly. "I'd be delighted." Allowing him to take her hand, she flashes a quick smile to her sister as she's led onto the dance floor.

For a few moments, Twilwell and Anne dance in silence, enjoying the music. As they twirl about the floor, Twilwell's hand firmly supporting her back, Anne feels a bit of heat rise in her cheeks. Twilwell smiles down at her. "Tell me, Miss Foxhaven - have you lived in Wiltshire your entire life?"

"Yes, Mr. Twilwell. My father's family has lived here for a number of generations, though...not always at Wimbly Place." Twilwell nods at that, politely not inquiring further. Anne smiles. "And what about you? Do you intend to live here permanently, or will you be leaving us soon to go back to London?"

"You know, I haven't quite decided!" Twilwell says with a little laugh. "The countryside has many charming attractions, and I'm not yet finished with renovating my home. But I probably will return to London eventually. I had really intended Applethorpe to be a sort of country retreat, not my permanent home."

Anne nods as she passes under his arm. "It must be quite nice to have a home in London and another in the country," she says wistfully. "I always love to visit London, though it's far more crowded and noisy than I'm used to."

"It is, I imagine," Twilwell chuckles as he takes her firmly in his arm again. "But it is the easiest place in the country to do business. Still, there are some things - like meeting one's neighbors and the local community - worth being out of town for."

Anne smiles at him again as the musicians bring the waltz to a close and she drops into a deep curtsy. He's a smooth dancer, and he does have such a nice air about him! As they step off the dance floor, she says, "I thank you for the dance, Mr. Twilwell. I'm no great lover of dancing, but it's enjoyable indeed with such an expert partner."

"Haha! You're the one I should be thanking. It's a delight to dance with a young lady of your sophistication and skill," Twilwell says with a laugh. He takes her hand gently. "If you've ever occasion to visit London, I insist you let me know - I'd be quite happy to put you up in my home there. In the meantime, I am sure that I shall see you around town." He smiles and presses her hand gently before giving her a short, courteous bow. She curtsies again, blushing, as he steps off to hail his friend Vickery.

"Well done, Anne," a quiet voice says. Anne jumps, turning to see that Rebecca has made her way behind her. "He seems quite taken with you. I suspect by the end of the year I'll have our room to myself as you're better entertained in a larger bed..."

"Rebecca!" Anne gasps, slapping her sister lightly on the arm and glancing around, blushing, in the hopes that no one overheard. Fortunately, no one seems to have done.

"What? I'm just speaking the truth," Rebecca says tartly, but she's smiling. "I'm happy for you, Anne. Really, truly. I think he's a man who could make you very comfortable, and he does seem very much to like you. Keep it up!"

Anne sighs, looking off after Twilwell. He does like her - she thinks, she hopes - and she likes him! Oh, but it seems impossible that such a wealthy, kind man could actually be interested in her. Best not to hope for anything...at least, not yet...

As the evening winds down, families begin to say their goodbyes and leave the ball. Since Mrs. Foxhaven has had rather a lot to drink and it's getting late for Mr. Foxhaven, the Foxhaven girls must leave rather before they'd otherwise be willing. Still, it's been an exciting night for more than one of them, and all of them are buzzing as they put on their bonnets and shawls to go out into the spring air. All but Esther, who remains in the ballroom, looking around in frustration for Annalise. Why does that girl keep disappearing just when Esther wants to talk to her? (Well, Esther has no interest in talking to anyone else here, but...still!) Just as she's about to give up, she catches sight of Annalise and Percival slipping out of one of the ballroom doors, headed back toward the main body of the house. She hesitates. On the one hand, she very much wants to say good night to Annalise. On the other...Percival makes her uneasy.