Chapter 54

Matthew nearly choked on his tea. Abruptly he set his cup down.

"Maggie, it's not possible."

"Why?"

"I don't think that they will allow me to bring a partner."

"They do. It's written on the bottom of the envelope. It's an invitation for two."

Damn. What is he supposed to say now?

Before Matthew could think of a sensible reason to refuse her request, she pleaded,

"Matthew, I've always wanted to attend a ballroom party. You know the ballroom scene is my favorite part of the Cinderwench tale. I've always imagined what it looks like in reality."

"I don't think you'll like the crowd, Maggie.They are, you know what your father always said about the nobility, they are pompous and arrogant."

"I'll be fine with you by my side. I just want to know what it's like to attend a ball."

Matthew tried to offer a few weak arguments to no avail because she insisted on going with him. Later that evening, he paced back and forth the short space in front of Marguerite's suite, racking his brain for a tack