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Seraphina gave her friends an apologetic look, but both their eyes warmed with forgiveness. Both knew not to attempt a disagreement with the woman, and simply muttered their agreement.

“Come now, Seraphina,” Mary said, turning her full at attention back to her daughter, “It is time that we make another round.”

Seraphina felt a swell of disappointment rise up from her stomach. It had not even been ten minutes since they had last done so. And, just like all the times before, she knew what the outcome would be.

“Are you certain we are not being too persistent, Mama?” Seraphina asked, glancing around the ballroom. “Do we not appear too eager?”

“Oh, what do you know about it,” Mary hissed, pulling her along, “If it were up to you, you would not be trying at all. Now say goodbye to your friends and come along!”

Seraphina threw her friends an apologetic glance, which was answered by smiles of support. She also saw the look of pity in their eyes. Every Mama with an eligible daughter had a certain sharpness to her, Seraphina knew, but hers had an air of desperation that the others never reached. They did not have to. Their daughters were legitimate.

“Good evening, my Lord, Your Grace. Pleasant tidings, once more, my Lord.”

Seraphina meekly repeated these greetings to the men that had already politely but absolutely refused her yet again, trying her best not to let the look of discomfort on their faces brand themselves into her mind. On and on this went, as it had at every ball for the last two years.

They do not want me,Seraphina thought, staring hard at her mother’s side profile.I can accept that. Why can you not do the same?

“Lord Gerard,” Mary called gaily, approaching a gentleman newly arrived at the party.

“He has just arrived and has not been asked yet,” Mary whispered to Seraphina under her breath, “This may be your chance.”

Seraphina drew in a breath, and though she knew it was futile, put on a polite smile and hurried to catch up with her mother’s pace.

“Ah, Ms. Kinderson,” Lord Gerard greeted with a bow, “Miss Seraphina. Lovely to see you both this evening.”

“A pleasure to see you as well, my Lord,” Seraphina greeted with a curtsey. “How is your even-”

“Indeed, my Lord, indeed,” Mary agreed readily, cutting her daughter off, “I see you have yet to take the dance floor with any of these lovely young ladies.”

Lord Gerard blinked repeatedly as he took a step back, though he kept his polite expression intact.

“Well, I have only just arrived,” he replied, “I usually take my time greeting my friends before I bother the young ladies for a dance or two.”

Seraphina appreciated his attempt at humor, and offered him a more genuine smile.

“I am sure it is no bother at all, Lord Gerard,” she said kindly.

He chuckled as he shifted his gaze from Mary to Seraphina, and gave her an appreciative nod.

“That is most kind, Miss Kinderson,” he said, “Untrue, but kind. I know my…stoutness is not what the young ladies all pine for.”

Seraphina almost giggled, but her mother’s grip had her lilt turning into a soft gasp.

“My Seraphina cares not for bodily stature, Lord Gerard,” Mary retorted hastily, “In fact she is quite the humble and accepting young girl.”

“I am sure she is,” Lord Gerard answered, his smile slipping.

“She is also quite amicable in nature, if not a bit shy,” Mary went on, “I believe you would find her quite easy to get along with.”

Heat spiked in Seraphina’s face, her cheeks turning a crimson red as Lord Gerard’s smile disappeared entirely.

“To be sure, Madam,” he attempted his tone now curt, “However, I-”

“Perhaps if you took her for a dance and maybe a glass of punch, you could see such good qualities for yourself,” Mary insisted. “Now, Seraphina, would that not be lovely?”

“Ms. Kinderson, that is enough,” Lord Gerard snapped, his bushy brows furrowing as Mary attempted to push Seraphina toward him.

He took a step toward both of them, a sneer forming across his face.