I shall go and dance.

You have taken only the first step when your uncle's voice booms out, calling for everyone's attention.

"I wish to propose a toast!" he says. "In honor of my niece's birthday!"

There is a smattering of applause. Goblets are raised.

"And I wish to make an announcement!" Uncle Pedro continues. He pauses to be sure he has the attention of the entire room, and then says, "I have been so fortunate as to receive the favor of our most gracious Queen! In recognition of my service abroad, she has awarded me with a suite of rooms in the palace, and given me permission to bring my niece Ana to Court when the Season starts in the autumn. Ana, you shall have a proper Season after all."

"I can manage a Season's worth of gowns," he adds the following morning over breakfast, when it is just family again, "not more than that; you won't be able to return next year if you don't manage to find a spouse this year. But four months ought to be enough."

"I am very grateful to you, Uncle," you say.

"Only doing my best for the family," he replies, somewhat pompously. "And giving you the opportunity to do your best, in turn. Depending on whose eye you catch, you may be able to secure me a spot of influence commensurate with our family's honor, if not its recent fortunes."

"Even if you can't do that," says your father, "a match with a suitor of means can improve our family's fortunes."

"And secure your own comfort," says your mother.

"And then after you are married, you can chaperone me when it is my turn to be presented at Court!" says Magdalena.