Nathaniel was brooding again.  Emily Rose could feel it more than see it.  Social gatherings had that effect on him.  He enjoyed the splendor but did not enjoy the fact he couldn't indulge in it from his own pocket.  It was only when he felt the sharp jab of an elbow to his side that he came back to himself.  "What is it Emmy?"<br/><br/>"You are doing it again, brother.  Lady Charlotte came over and you barely nodded to her.  It's impolite.  She might think we have slighted her.  I don't enjoy the crowd but we still have to pay our respects.  Besides, you are starting to get the same scowl as that....colored man over there," she said with out pointing.  Nathaniel should know whom she spoke of.  "Is that really the color of his skin?"<br/><br/>Nathaniel looked over and sized the tall man up but let it be.  He disapproved greatly but then The Winterstone's would not have the darkie here unless it was necessary.  Perhaps he was apart of the evenings entertainment.  He shrugged it off and let his sister lead him over to where The lady was speaking with her guests.  Grinning from ear to ear as if he had spotted the only jewel in the room, he approached the Lady Charlotte with praise on his lips.<br/><br/>"Lady Charlotte," he began boisterously to gain her attention.  He took her hand in his as if he were handling the finest of china and raised it up between them.  "Forgive me, I believe I was so stunned by your beauty that I lost all sense.  It took my dear sister to remind me that you were not an angel of Heaven but surely a nymph of this Earth.  Lord Winterstone is a lucky man indeed."<br/><br/>He bowed over her hand and kissed it gently, holding it there still.  It never hurt to flirt with the hostess.  He gave her a wink and brought Emily Rose in closer to maintain Lady Charlotte's propriety.  He made note of the men and decided they were not threats.  Why he had to think like that was beyond him anymore.  He needed a stiff drink .  "You remember Emily Rose?"<br/><br/>Emily blushed fiercely, more from her brother's extravagance than being thrust into the conversation.  "Please, our thanks for the invitation.  You have a lovely home."<br/><br/>She stilled herself from sidling closer to her brother.  She knew what she was there for.  She was getting to old to stay at home and she felt sick for being on display for him, but what could she do.  It was her duty to marry if it helped the family.  She nodded politely to the others to shy to meet anyone's eyes.