Disclaimer: Not GCL. Don't own anything, apart from what is random make up on my part. She owns everything Ella related that she wrote. Don't sue!

Thank you to my reviewers.

Tayk: You're probably right, if you REALLY want, I can change it.  I'll bear it in mind next time anyway. Thanks for reviewing!

Mickimeg: Thank you! It's really great to know that you like it! I'll try to re-Mandify her more, when I get to her again. Let me know how I'm doing when I do. 

andreaaft: Ohhh…that's so nice! Thank you! Yeah, I hate it when ff's I'm reading never get updated. I'll try to update as fast as I can 

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El glanced at Daria. It was true, she hadn't been the slightest bit friendly all night…but why start now? It was almost as if she was flaunting this young man, this Peter…as a pitiful attempt to make her jealous. It was true that Peter was remarkably handsome, but…?

For a change, El was lost for words.

"Jerrold. Would you like to dance?" El was taken-aback by Daria's forwardness. Jerrold glanced uncomfortably at El, then replied awkwardly:

"Um…I guess so…I mean, certainly."

El could almost detect a triumphant gleam in Daria's eye as Jerrold accompanied her to the dance floor.

"So."

El jumped. She had forgotten that Peter was still there.

"Are you…are you enjoying your stay?"

He frowned in confusion.

"I live here, madam."

"Oh. I apologise."

An awkward silence ensued.

"As your friend is otherwise engaged, would you care to…dance?" El studied Peter for a moment. Something about the small smile at his lips and the mischievous twinkle in his eye tugged at her heart.

"Certainly, kind sir."

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Daria gazed up into the prince's eyes.

He looked away, obviously uncomfortable with the attention.

"Are you enjoying the ball, your highness?"

"Certainly. And yourself?"

"Oh, no. It's so dull and dreary."

His eyebrows went up.

"Would you like to step outside for a turn, your highness?"

He didn't reply. Instead his gaze flicked in El's direction. Daria felt a spasm of jealousy. She too turned her head towards El. El was dancing with Peter. Daria frowned. This situation isn't quite right…

"No thank you, madam."

"Oh? As you can see, El isn't free at the moment."

His eyes widened in disbelief, and she regretted her words. Jerrold pulled away.

"Excuse me, madam…" He backed away slowly, and Daria felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

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El turned, as she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"I beg your pardon…but may I cut in?" Peter smiled.

"Certainly." He bowed, and El curtseyed. Jerrold took her hands, and she felt relived, grateful and happy, all at once. Peter was a nice man, but so boring!

"Having a nice time?"

"Hm…" His uncertainty worried her for a moment.

"You aren't?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just…never mind. I am having a nice time."

"That's good." She decided not to pursue the subject further.

The song ended, and Jerrold escorted her off the dance floor.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes please, that would be nice."

He left, and she stood in the corner staring after him.

"Eleanor?"

"Mother!" El jumped.

"You don't seem very happy to see me."

"No…no…I was merely surprised."

"Hm…" Lady Rosalind frowned. "Eleanor. May I have a word with you in my study now? It's rather distressing."

"Yes mother. Shall I tell Jerrold?" Lady Rosalind's eyebrow rose slightly at the use of the first name.

"Yes…do…what I have to tell you concerns him…and that snippet of girl…Daria."