Best to be polite

Nervously, Esther gives Percival a slight nod. He smirks and pulls her firmly toward him by the waist, bringing her terrifyingly close. "The French have always greeted one another with a kiss on the cheek," he says. "'Tis but an extension of that warm familiarity...one kiss on the cheek..."

He brushes Esther's cheek with his soft lips, and she shivers slightly.

"One on the neck..."

The hand that's not on Esther's waist rises and firmly tilts Esther's head to one side. She gasps as Percival plants a firmer kiss on the side of her neck.

"And then, of course, the piece de resistance..."

Esther's eyes widen and she opens her mouth to protest as Percy moves toward her, but that just creates an opening: he kisses her firmly on the mouth, his warm, wet tongue probing into her, penetrating her mouth and tangling with her own. Esther is frozen in shock, Percy holding her tightly to him - and then she feels his other hand leave her waist and, to her terror, settle on her breast! She's too stunned to move as he gently squeezes her breast and begins to circle a thumb over it gently. A wave of heat, mingled with embarrassment, washes over her as she realizes that he's thumbing her nipple through her clothes, and she can feel her body responding, the nipple hardening, her nethers starting to moisten as he continues his work...

"Well, enough, Percy, let the poor girl breathe," Annalise says with a laugh. Percy pulls away with a smirk as Esther gasps slightly, catching 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...quite," Esther says, both aroused and slightly alarmed. Looking over at Annalise as Percy idly strolls away across the study, she asks, "Is that really how people are greeting each other on the Continent these days?"

"Well, it depends on where you are," Annalise tells her with a shrug. "But it's not inaccurate for the French, at least not those we met abroad."

"You really should get out of England, Miss Foxhaven," Percy says archly from across the room. "It would do you good to see the world...get some experience. I plan to return there soon."

"I will admit, Esther, I think that travel can broaden a girl's horizons considerably," Annalise says with a smile. "Is that something you'd be interested in?"

Esther shrugs. "Well...perhaps. I doubt that my family could afford to send me on a grand tour like yours, though."

"I'm sure we'll find a way to get you out of this godforsaken, cold country," Annalise says with a laugh.

"I don't know...I'd not want to go abroad without a trusted companion to escort me," Esther demurs.

An odd glance passes between Annalise and Percy. "Perhaps you'll get the chance sooner than you think, Esther," Annalise says musingly. "Ah, but we had best get back to the party. Come, Esther! 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, Percy following along behind.

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.