<div style="text-align: justify;">Lord Allerton was relieved when Victoria behaved somewhat discreetly. Sure, she couldn't hide the evidence of their affair, but still, as long as she kept to herself, the paternity of her child could remain a secret, or at least be treated discreetly. As discreetly as possible, that is, as he was pretty sure that everyone knew about the affair. London was smaller than one would imagine, after all.<br/><br/>Marianne was still furious that her husband had even invited his whore to the masquerade. Still, there was no way around it now.<br/><br/>Once she had finished welcoming everyone, the woman planned on going to her sister for a conversation. There was no way she was going to take this any longer. There had to be something that could be done. Perhaps Elizabeth would have an idea that could help her. No matter what she had to do, Marianne wanted to fix this situation once and for all.<br/><br/>Even if she had to kill them both with her own hands.<br/><br/>As soon as Elizabeth and Thomas reached the area where the guests were seated, Victoria greeted them both with a polite nod, as the Barrons greeted the newcomers enthusiastically. "Oh, dear, you don't look a day older than when we last met!", Lady Barron exclaimed, while Lord Barron stood up to shake Thomas's hand.<br/><br/>Out on the entrance hall, Angus and Marianne smiled to the Forges. The man shook Walter's hand, noticing his demeanor. "Welcome, gentlemen", he greeted, trying to sound happy to see them both, which was a lot easier with the older member of the family. "Thank you for coming, it is a pleasure seeing you both".<br/><br/>Marianne, unlike Angus, seemed much more easily pleased, and blushed a little when Mr. Forge kissed her hand. "It is a pleasure to see you too, sir", she replied to Charles, shooting Walter a kind smile. "Oh, nothing to pardon at all. Please, gentlemen, do follow me. I will take you in for refreshments", the woman invited politely.</div>