The dance had drawn to a close, and Henry had sleuthed off. With his Mother no longer on the prowl, the young male was free to mingle without fear of embarassment. Matilda could only assume that he had found a game of cards to participate in, but thankfully she hadn't been left high and dry - Alice had once again rejoined her. And she was buzzing with excitement.

[b]"Did you see who asked me to dance?" [/b]

[i]"No, I was with Henry.."[/i] 

Matilda quirked a brow in mild curiosity as her friend continued, "He has the blueist eyes that I have ever seen, Tilly." 

[b]Oh, here we go.. [/b] 

Alice had quite the talent for falling in love at the drop of a hat. The slightest interest, and she became unfathomably giddy. It was actually rather amusing, truth be told. But Matilda listened on and feigned an interest. Some poor Officer would find himself with quite the attachment for the rest of his stay. 

Meanwhile, just behind the two girls - a couple of men were growing rather boisterous. The pair were clearly in the midst of a very animated debate, and after a glass or two of wine, they were becoming quite the nuisance. The heavier set of the two reached out and gave his slender companion a hearty shove. The male stumbled in quite an uncoordinated fashion, before knocking back into Matilda. 

Now Tilly hadn't been aware of what was transpiring just a little way off, and had suddenly found herself knocked sideways. Had she been stood in a more balenced way, she probably would have stood up to the impact rather well. But alas, she was about to step and landed with an awkwardly twisted ankle. A flinch crossed her features, and Alice leaned forwards to steady her friend with a look of disdain. 

"What a pair of oafs.." She cursed as she glared at the two causing the scene, "Is your ankle twisted, Tilly?" 

"No, no. It's fine." The blonde smiled reassuringly and put her foot flat on the floor. A mildly anguished gasp escaped her soon after, "Well, perhaps a little, Alice."