Author's Long Note: Thanks for all the reviews. Sorry for the delay in posting but I promise the one after this will be quick. As for all the questions. I see Finn as a little upset that Ned came home. She doesn't know him at all and now Veronica is spending most of her time with Ned instead of with her. I know this isn't really an adult reaction but Finn didn't get to grow up in a normal enviroment. Now for Veronica. Part of how I write Veronica is because I don't really like her all that much. She loves Ned when he's not around and then when he shows up, she ignores him and decides she really doesn't love him. But in this case I feel I'm justified. She has no proof that Finn did anything to Ned and the behavior he describes isn't normally Finn. And Ned isn't the world's greatest hunter, so I think she'd be a little skeptical. Keep reading and thanks again for all the feedback!

Challenger smiled as he and Jessie walked behind Marguerite and Roxton. He'd never seen Marguerite this nervous in a crowd. He watched as Roxton tightened his grip on Marguerite and then led her up to meet their hosts. He followed them up the dais, but lost them in the crowd.

"Jonathan," Lady Roxton gave Roxton and Marguerite a small, dignified wave to catch their eye.

"Mother," Roxton said giving bending down to give her a peck on the check. "I'm glad you could make it."

"And miss a chance to see you?" Lady Roxton said with a twinkle in her eye. "How have you been my dear?" she asked, turning toward Marguerite.

Marguerite smiled in response. "Quite well, thank you."

"I hope all of the excitement of your return hasn't worn you out. John will have to bring you by the townhouse one afternoon for tea. Speaking of which John, you should call on your cousin Michael and offer your congratulations. He just gave his mother a second granddaughter. And you remember Cecily Greyhurst from next door? Her daughter... " Lady Roxton led the couple into a cozy corner, where she settled onto the comfortable settee like a queen holding court.

Roxton smiled as Lady Roxton quickly caught him up on the affairs of friends and family as random well-wishers and the curious politely greeted them before continuing on.

Marguerite found it very relaxing to be around Lady Roxton. She was a friendly woman who put her at ease. It was easy to see where Roxton had inherited many of his traits. They talked until everyone was called for dinner. At dinner, she found herself separated from Roxton and Challenger. When Roxton protested quietly to their hostess, she explained that everyone wanted to hear of their adventures, and separated, they could converse with more people. Roxton was going to argue further when Marguerite assured him everything would be fine.

That was a mistake as Marguerite found she was seated next to two matrons, both with daughters enjoying their first season. Both women clearly saw Marguerite as competition for Lord Roxton's affections.

"So Miss Krux, how did you happen to join the expedition?" one of the women asked as she took a sip of wine.

"I funded it," Marguerite explained simply, maintaining a polite smile.

"Well then, you must be very wealthy," the second woman said, trying to size up the competition.

"It's so unusual for a family to allow a lady to travel unescorted on such a trip. They certainly must be a forward-thining bunch." She paused and looked at Marguerite thoughtfully. "I don't believe I know your family.".

"Probably not," Marguerite answered looking for possible ways to escape.

"Well, where are you from?" the second woman asked, watching her with a predatory glare.

"I grew up in a lot of different places," Marguerite answered vaguely as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"Such as?" the old women pressed.

Marguerite flashed them a charming smile as she tried to figure out how to deflect the questions. "Wouldn't you like to hear about our time on the plateau?" she asked desperately.

"In a little while. I'm sure Lord Roxton will tell us. Now, I seem to remember you were married to a Prussian," the first woman stated.

Marguerite fervently wished she were back on the Plateau where they allowed her to keep her secrets, at least for a time. She could feel the panic beginning to well up inside her and right now, she wanted Veronica or even Finn there with her. She allowed herself a small smiling over what these women would have thought of her friends.


Veronica found Ned out on the balcony, staring out at the night sky. His journal and pen lay on his desk, long forgotten. "Do you think they made it?" he asked without turning around.

The wistful tone of his voice worried her for a moment. She paused, wondering if he wasn't regretting being here with her. "I'm sure they did. They're probably enjoying the latest party as we speak," Veronica said, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

The corner of his mouth quirked up in wry grin as he turned to face her. "I can't get anything past you, can I? I'm worried about the others," he confessed a little sheepishly. "I know that they're probably fine, but I can't help but worry about Marguerite. Inspite of all of her complaining about how she wanted to go back to England, she won't enjoy being the center of attention."

Veronica laughed, trying to picture Marguerite being uncomfortable in a crowd. "I'm sure she's fine. Roxton will take care of her. They'll look out for each other until they come back to us," Veronica said encouragingly. "Now come on, Finn made dinner."

"Then it's probably poisoned," he muttered, his good mood evaporating.

Veronica's jaw dropped in surprise. "Ned! What's gotten into you?!"

"She did! She did everything she could to mess me up today," he exclaimed.

"What did she do," Veronica asked, her disbelieving tone putting Ned on the offensive.

"You know what... nothing, never mind. I don't want to talk about it any more," he said, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. "I'll be there in a minute okay."

"Sure, I guess," Veronica said, leaving the room more confused than when she came in.