Yes - a familiar face from the pub.

"How very interesting to run into you here," a male voice says from the other side of the column. Jumping slightly, Alice peers around the column. Seeing who it is, she scowls and turns away, facing out toward the dancers again. Private Barnes leans towards her, grinning mockingly.

"Miss Foxhaven? Now, don't ignore me," the soft-featured blond man says. "I feel that we got off on the wrong foot the other day."

"Your impertinence was intolerable, sir," Alice {if BellingtonParty-Alice-Drunk = True}slurs{else}says primly{endif}. She refuses to look at him. Let him talk to the column!

"Well now, you can hardly blame me alone," Barnes says, clearing his throat. "Yes, I made rather a bad mistake the other day, I see that now. But I ask you - what else was I to think when a strange woman approached me out o' nowhere in a pub and asked how she could make my life more pleasant?" He lowers his voice. "And I must admit, up to then I've had a good track record; usually, I know a whore when I see one."

"How dare you!" Alice squeals in a strangled whisper. She's about to storm off when Barnes says something that stops her.

"Now, Miss Foxhaven, I came over here to apologize to you...and offer you something."

She stares at him {if BellingtonParty-Alice-Drunk = True}hazily{else}suspiciously{endif}. "Offer?"

"Some of the men and I have gathered just outside, in the carriage house. Don't worry, we've some ladies present as well. But we're getting a bit away from this party and having a good time of our own, playing some games and enjoying our company. If you'd like to have a good time - and maybe thrash me at a game or two to teach me a lesson - I'm sure that we would all enjoy seeing how a well-born young lady like you plays." He smirks. "Or, of course, you could go back to hunting this party for a husband. Seeking a man to support you financially...well, I know what some would call that..."

Alice stares at him, thinking {if BellingtonParty-Alice-Drunk = True}with some difficulty as the alcohol buzzes through her. Damn this man. She wants to put him in his place!{else}carefully. If there are really ladies present then it wouldn't be too bad for her to go with him...but on the other hand, it might still be improper. And while it would be satisfying to crush him, it's not as though it's the end of the world if she doesn't.{endif}