The song had wound to a close, and Matilda and Alice bowed their heads politely at one another. Rather thirsty, Tilly broke from the company of her friend and rejoined her parents and younger brother, Henry. The aforementioned brother was eighteen and stood to inherit everything. He had quite the wandering eye, despite that, he was charming and polite. Not to mention his rather keen sense of humour. 

"Did you enjoy your dance?" He asked, handing his sister a glass of white wine. "Alice's timing hasn't improved."

Tilly chuckled at her brother's observation and took a sip from the fancy crystal glass, "You're mean. Alice is a very good dancer. Are you sure that you aren't a triffle bitter?"

"Well, perhaps." Alice had often shrugged off Henry's advances. He was rather keen on the brunette. "But she was certainly out on two occasions."

"I feel that you must have been watching rather too intently." The sister teased, but their chit chat was sadly interupted. "Look Matilda!! Aren't they handsome!" The blonde felt an elbow to the ribs, and she looked up to see her Mother stood next to her.

"Who, Mother?"

"The Officers.." She hissed, motioning with her head to the cluster of red a short way off. George, Matilda's Father raised his eyes to the heavens in exasperation.

"Anna, leave her be. She cares not for red coats."

"Oh hush, George. You are a Lord, Matilda is great prospect for any young Officer."

Tilly snorted into her wine, "A great prospect. Now, that's a fine description." She retorted, causing her Father to chuckle. Henry tried to avoid his Mother's gaze, for fear she'd start matchmaking in his direction next.

"I think I shall go and find Alice.."

"No you wont.." Anna shook her head, "You shall wait here to be introduced."

The blonde puffed out her cheeks dramatically, "Should I curtsey when the Colonol greets us, or is a simple bow sufficient?"

Anna sucked in her cheeks, and looked alarmingly like she was chewing on a lemon, "I am not going to even dignify your teasing with a response."

"Excellent." George clapped, "For once, I wager that we'll have some peace and quiet."