Rebecca

"Of course, sir," Rebecca says, bobbing a curtsy to Mr. Twilwell. She flashes a grin at Anne as she steps forward onto the dance floor and allows Twilwell to take her hand.

They dance in silence for a few moments, enjoying the music. Rebecca appreciates what a strong leader Twilwell is: he keeps his hand firmly pressed to her back, rather than hardly daring to touch her like some men do. "So, tell me, Mr. Twilwell," she says with a smile. "Have you recently added any more of your...unique decorative touches to Applethorpe?"

Twilwell chuckles, glancing around at the party surrounding them. "I'm afraid I haven't, Miss Foxhaven. Our discussion made me realize how...very provincial the folks here in Wiltshire can be. The Wagatons impressed that on me as well. I'm taking a little break in my decorating to think about how to do so as I want, while not offering offense to my neighbors."

"Oh, don't think about them," Rebecca says with a smirk. "The Wagatons are a conservative, hide-bound old pair. They think they run the town, and we mustn't let them." Twilwell laughs again.

"I must say, you're a very entertaining girl, Miss Foxhaven," he exclaims. "It seems as though you know who you are and what you want - you must feel very confident about your place in the world."

Rebecca smiles at him, but her heart sinks a bit. The truth is that she remains worried - particularly, worried about Anne and the way that her older sister is so reluctant to put herself forward to claim a husband. Glancing up at the blond man who's leading her so firmly around the dance floor, she wonders if she should tell him that. She doesn't want to speak ill of her sister behind her back - but on the other hand, it might be good for him to know her situation...