Refuse this strange advance

"I, er...think not, Mr. Winthrop," Esther says delicately, attempting to disentangle her hand. He scowls, keeping it held tightly.

"What? Come now, you little slattern, all the women of the Continent know their place -"

Esther surprises him - and herself - by slapping Winthrop right across the cheek. It's not hard, but hard enough to sting, and he flushes red angrily as she stares at him, wide-eyed.

"I - I am not a slattern, nor a woman of the Continent, Mr. Winthrop!" she exclaims shrilly.

Both Percy and Esther are startled by Annalise bursting into laughter. "Hahahaha! She's right, Percy. And you're too forward. You'd best be off - leave us to our girlish chat, cousin."

"But she - " Percy protests.

"Now," Annalise says firmly, taking his arm and propelling him toward the door. "You're in my house, cousin. My rules! You got no more than you deserved."

As Percy sulks out and Esther catches her breath, Annalise comes over and takes her hand. "Forgive my cousin, Esther. He lets his passion...get the better of him, sometimes. And he's been on the Continent for so long he's forgotten British manners!"

"I...I am so sorry, Annalise. I don't know what came over me," Esther says, slightly panicked. She looks at Annalise desperately. "I haven't offended you, have I? I just - I just didn't want him taking any liberties with me - "

"Of course!" Annalise exclaims. "You behaved exactly as you ought to. Percy's too forward, as I said. Knows his way around a woman, but he's forgotten what a British lady is like. Come, sit down with me."

As they settle into two of Mr. Bellington's armchairs, Esther asks shakily, "How...how exactly _do _people greet one another on the Continent, Annalise?"

"Oh, it's not that different," her friend says airily. "A trifle more passionate, less reserved than we are. Hands are known to roam, kisses on the cheek, that sort of thing. Percy is just putting on airs - you have to keep in mind that he's not really any more continental than you are. He just wants to be sophisticated." She winks at Esther. "And apparently he likes the look of you! Not that, I must admit, he's very picky."

Esther shudders. "I don't know how you survived your trip abroad, if continental men are like that," she mutters.

"Well, they're not all so bad. And to be honest, Percy himself was a big help to me in that time," Annalise tells her. "He's not so bad once you get to know him. Just forward." She cocks her head, studying Esther with curiosity. "Do you think you'll ever get around to seeing the continent, Es?" she asks.

"I don't know...I'd not want to go abroad without a trusted companion to escort me. And besides, you know my family could ill afford it." Esther says.

Annalise smiles mischievously. "Well, you never know...perhaps you'll get the chance sooner than you think," she says musingly. "Ah, but we had best get back to the party. Come with me! Have you seen Marguerite Collingsworth's dress? It's this hideous shade of yellow..."

Esther smiles as her friend takes her arm and leads her out of the study and back toward the party.

Back in the ballroom, Rebecca and Anne watch the twirling couples. The musicians have just struck up a waltz, and the room is filled with swaying couples. Anne sighs. "Oh, Rebecca. Do you think it's possible that one of us will ever end up with a proper man?"

"It's possible," Rebecca mutters. "But it takes wit and some strategy to accomplish...look sharp, though, we may have a chance to lure one in right now!"

"Rebecca!" Anne exclaims, scandalized by her sister's coarseness, but Rebecca has already plastered a wide, pleasant smile over her face. Anne looks up and feels her heart flutter: Mr. Twilwell, the handsome young fellow, is approaching them.

"Good evening again, Mr. Twilwell," Rebecca says brightly. "How are you enjoying the party?"

"Quite well, quite well!" Twilwell exclaims. He actually seems to be blushing slightly. "I, er - actually, I was hoping to ask you to dance this waltz with me. If you'd be so kind, Miss Foxhaven?"

The sisters glance at one another, elated.