Ella nodded her head at Avril's words, feeling some reassurance from them. "Yes," she said in agreement. "He was never very fond a large gatherings." She smiled a little. "I guess I just feel ashamed. I meant to dance with him, and I didn't mean to disappoint him." She looked at Avril and her smile softened. "Yes, I did. It was fun, though. Edward is quite graceful. For a young man, of course."

Edward returned, striding towards them carrying a glass of liquid that looked suspiciously not like water, and Ella hid her amused smile for one of politeness. He presented it to her and after a moment of hesitation she took it and nodded her head graciously. "Thank you, Edward. And thank you again for the dance. It was wonderful." She watched him go back out to the floor. There seemed to be a line of ladies lined up, all ready for him to pick them as his next dance partner. 

A young woman with pale gold hair falling in perfect soft curls and an elaborate jade green gown that matched her eyes seemed to materialize out the crowd and edged another girl out of the way in order to secure her spot as Edward's next partner. Lady Theresa Du Locke smiled angelically at him as the music began She was also a regular at palace events, her father a local lord like Ella's was, but her popularity and favor at the court was something she'd worked for years on her own. "Prince Edward," she said as she curtsied respectfully. "A dance with you would be an honor, as it always is. If you'll have me. That last dance went so long I was afraid we wouldn't have an opportunity to speak at all tonight."

Meanwhile Ella had sniffed the contents of the glass and after discovering it contained water that had been disguised took a sip. At Avril's suggestion of finding a new partner, she nodded. "In a moment, perhaps. I'd like to weigh in my partner options first. There are quite a few here tonight." She looked over at Avril and smiled mischievously. "What about you? Have there been any other young men that have actually caught your eye tonight?"