The ball is crowded and warm, as such assemblies ever are. I remain at your side, for it is there I find myself most at ease amidst such company; yet the comfort of the evening diminishes, if only slightly, upon the entrance of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I follow the direction of the room’s attention and meet her gaze, my posture unconsciously altering to be more composed, more prepared for whatever may follow

As she approaches, the noise of the crowd does not cease, but softens around us. I bow with proper respect, lifting my eyes to hers only long enough to say,

“My lady,”

and no more, for she begins at once, in that same incredulous tone to which she seems forever bound