The seven days passed in hectic preparations. Several trips to the village to buy ribbons and other trinkets were needed. Dresses were cleaned. Mr Edwards even agreed to a purchase of a new cravat. He didn’t want to look like the poor relation he was.

The next Tuesday both families were ready. The Edwards, Jane and Amelia, the Spencers, all were waiting for the coach to pick them up. Mrs Edwards looked at her two daughters with something that could be almost described as pride. She was proud of the fact that both girls looked amicable. She was not sure why Jane didn’t get any marriage proposals, as she observed her eldest daughter, she might have been a little on the plain side but still sporting some features that were pleasing the eye. Amelia, on the other hand, showed quite a few promises and it was possible that her looks could compensate for the lack of title or money. Mrs Edwards had always big hopes for her daughters.

The Spencers didn’t disappoint and looked exactly as you would imagine someone of money and certain worldliness to look like. Mrs Spencer sported even a scarf from the most expensive silk, covering her neck. It was not very popular among the ton but certainly showed the money.

Altogether the party looked rather well in their evening outfits as any country family would. The coach arrived in the evening, sporting the Mowbray crest, the only indication that it was, in fact, a private coach and not a hired one. They were all ready for a party. Amelia could not stop chatting. She was so many times at Mowbrays after all Mrs and Mr Edwards considered them a family, but this was her first ball. The girls would have danced with Anthony as they grew together, often visiting each other before Anthony went for the university. He was a dear friend of both Amelia and Jane so it was no surprise to anyone that even Jane looked excited about the prospect of the night of dancing. The only thought that troubled Amelia was if there would be indeed enough gentlemen to dance with. It was a peculiar situation - it seemed that there was always so many girls as if the men when reaching certain age fled the countryside. They probably did in some ways, some for the university, some for the army, some simply searching for a better wife than was usually on the offer.

And so when the party arrived at the Mowbray manor, the girls were happy to see some other coaches as well as servants of local families that indicated at least some of their friends would be present. And so would some good dancers.

The Mowbray stewart opened the doors and helped the whole party out of the coach. He was ever polite, bowing and showing them inside. The footman took over their coats in the entrance hall. Amelia always liked the entrance hall in its simplicity, displaying mostly the main fresco depicting the kidnapping of Persephone. Hades bore some similarities with late Baron Mowbray in his youth but that didn’t stop Amelia thinking that one day she would meet someone charming who would take her far, far away. And as if he was waiting for them, Anthony was standing on top of the stairs, his smile broadening at the sight of the family. He walked down, welcoming Mr and Mrs Edwards and greeting Mr and Mrs Spencer. He was a perfect gentleman, engaging with the men in conversation regarding the whiskeys that will be served later in. He guided the whole party to the dining room, just casually mentioning which families have already arrived. The ladies soon stopped paying attention to him as at his age of 18 he was not of any interest to them nor the best source of gossip. And so he was left alone with the girls.

“Can I offer my company to my lovely cousins?” He asked them smiling, offering both arms. His smile was infectious. They looked like the perfect company of three young people, two years apart.

“Jane, you have to show me the latest dances you learnt in London, I can’t wait for that. You know, we missed you around.” Jane just blushed to his flattering.

“Anthony, you must scold her, she hasn’t shown me anything,” Amelia complained.

“Don’t worry, I am sure Jane will have a dance with me. I can show her how we dance at Oxford. But let me offer you something to drink, first.” He guided them towards an alcove and asked them to wait for him, then he headed towards the table with a punch. He picked two glasses and made his way back, skillfully avoiding other parties.

He was just about to pass the glasses to the ladies when a voice stopped him: “Anthony, here you are. You just abandoned us to the crowd and yet you keep the most beautiful ladies to yourself. I hope you will introduce us, young man.”