His vision was still utterly dominated by her. This woman seemed otherworldly in how she appeared to hold herself. She appeared to be drawing all the stares in house towards her. This was exactly the sort of woman he needed on his arm to annoy his brother. Such a beauty would surely make dear Toby regret wallowing in his own rural crapulance. This version of her was just the right degree of sophistication to aid his readmittance into politier society.

He moved as she moved to the well appointed table. His London years meant that the prospect of a meal with delicate plates and many forks did not phase him in the slightest. He held her chair before taking his own seat.

"Did you go to all this trouble on my account, Miss Mason?" he asked, placing his napkin across his lap.