Chapter 16 I Shall Like To Leave Now Your Grace

• If I may be so bold as to ask for your first dance," Wychford said as he extended his hand. "Is your dance card filled already?" he inquired further.
• Julia shook her head and said, "No." Her dance card was, in fact, full, but Wychford didn't need to know that. The most important thing was that she had saved him a dance.
• He offered his arm, and Julia placed her hand on the proffered sleeve. As he led her away, his expression was grave, as if pained by something. Wychford looked stiff, and he even acted stiff. He still had not said a thing to her, just led her across the ballroom, silently forcing Julia to start the conversation. Julia wished she had her hand fan with her; that way, she would have had something to busy herself with. She tipped her head back and stared at Wychford. For a fleeting second, she wondered if she should break the silence or just keep quiet. After what seemed like forever, she opened her mouth.