Roxton couldn't help but grin at his dance partner. The evening had been lovely so far, and now it could only get better. "So is society everything you remembered?" he questioned as he led Marguerite into a waltz.
"You could say that," Marguerite said with a half-hearted smile.
John looked at her with some concern. "Why don't we go out on the balcony for a bit," he suggested as the music ended.
Marguerite sighed as John steered her out to an empty corner of the balcony. The full moon illuminated the empty rose garden. "Are you all right?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm fine," Marguerite lied airly; turning from him so he wouldn't notice her expression. "I guess I'm just tired. With the shopping, and the fittings, and all the people ..." She grabbed Roxton's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be fine when things settle down again."
He smiled and tenderly brushed her cheek with his fingers. "Speaking of settling down, there's something I wanted to ask you." Still holding her hand, Roxton got down on one knee. "Marguerite Krux, will you do me the honor..."
A group of people suddenly spilled out onto the balcony, causing Marguerite to jump, jerking her hand free. Roxton stood as Challenger approached.
"Ah, Marguerite! Roxton! There you are," Challenger exclaimed. "I've been looking all over for you. What on earth are you doing out here?"
Roxton stared incredulously at Challenger. Is George filling in for Ned now? Do they conspire to interrupt us? If I didn't know better...
Oblivious to John's internal discussion, Challenger continued. "Roxton, your mother is looking for you. Something about Lord Drake wanting to ask you about our trip up the Amazon. And Marguerite, Jessie asked if you would please come and rescue her from 'that dreadful Lady Shelton'. I don't know what she means. Lady Shelton seems like a perfectly nice woman, if a bit flighty."
With that Challenger turned and walked back inside expecting them to follow. Roxton turned, hoping to finish his conversation, only to find Marguerite had followed Challenger into the party. He spent the remainder of the party trying to catch Marguerite alone again. He finally got his chance as they were getting ready to leave.
"Marguerite," he began.
"Not now," she pleaded as she took his hand. "I'm worn out. I just want to climb into bed and sleep." She stepped closer and rested her head on his chest. "I'm so very tired."
Without a second thought, Roxton wrapped his arms around her, sheltering her from the world. "Come on then," he said. "Let's not keep Challenger and Jessie waiting." He escorted Marguerite out to the waiting automobile. He held the door open as she stepped in and then bid them all good night.