<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/IoRcGg5.jpg)</div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=299863.msg14742911#msg14742911">Quote from: Dormouse on 09-03-2019, 03:47:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“Don’t hold back on our account,” Lord Lucas tells Erica. “Everyone’s ancestors could use a little ribbing now and then. Especially we nobles. And what would get you put in stocks or thrown into a dungeon in less civilized places, here we call artistic expression. I could go on all day about my ancestors’ exploits - I have some real devils in my lineage. But I’d rather tell you about some other patriar families, so I can see their expressions when you’re next on stage.” He gives Erica a wink.<br/><br/>The music reaches a crescendo and then the musicians play the final notes of their current song. Applause rings through the ballroom. “There is one thing you can do,” Lucas says. “May I have this dance?” He bows, deeper this time, extending his hand to her.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>"I, ah," she began, stammering a little, "I'm flattered, m'lord," Erica responds, extending her hand out to meet Caldwell's, "Though I'm light on my feet I'm not really that familiar with ballroom dancing so please don't hold it against me if I should step on your toes."<br/>Truth be told Erica was not only unfamiliar with the dance, but now wishing she had worn flat shoes. A single bead of sweat formed on her temple as she considered what the penalty for impaling the foot of a lord may be, accidental or not.