"Now then boys," said Brittas squeezing himself onto the seat between Gavin and Tim. "Why haven't I seen you dancing? You're representing Whitbury in front of the whole Southern Area - you have to dance."
"But we didn't bring partners, Mr Brittas," said Tim archly, as Gavin sent him a worried glance.
"Just because you couldn't be bothered to find a partner, doesn't mean you can't dance," said Brittas exasperated.
"Well who with?" asked Tim.
"What?" snapped Brittas.
"Who shall we dance with, Mr Brittas?" asked Gavin patiently.
"I don't know - there must be plenty of reasonably attractive ladies here."
"Yes, but they all have partners, Mr Brittas," said Tim smugly as Gavin smiled.
"Just find someone. You can't come to the Ball and not dance."
Tim glanced at Gavin, who nodded, then held out his hand across Mr Brittas.
"Would you do me the homour?" Gavin asked.
"Love to," smirked Tim, taking Gavin's hand.
"That is not funny. Sit down boys," ordered Brittas.
"Oh, but you said we had to dance, and as we haven't brought partners..."said Tim as they disappeared towards the dance floor still holding hands. Gavin slipped one arm round Tim's waist and pulled him close. Tim smiled as he heard a wolf whistle from one of the tables as they began to dance.
Laura sat silently next to Mr Brittas, watching his expression as his eyes followed the two men on the dance floor.
"I see your 'little word' worked then," she said.
"What?" asked Brittas again.
"Tim and Gavin. They're dancing," said Laura evenly.
"Making fools of themselves more like. At least this will make sure they make more of an effort to find a partner next time."
"Do you think so?" asked Laura innocently. "They seem to be having a good time to me." She glanced back towards the dance floor where Gavin and Tim were smiling as they held each other close.