[A] Mowbray Estate - Party for the Prestigious

Delia stopped in the hall to check her reflection. Nary a hair out of place from the elegant twist she'd pinned it up into. She'd considered, for the sake of nostalgia, to wear it down but couldn't bring herself to do it. It just wasn't proper. Delia didn't exactly follow the book on 'proper,' but when it came to her appearance, she tried. Satisfied, she continued to the door into the main social room. It was here that dancing would take place or sitting and talking or other such frivolities before dinner was served. The smells of said meal wafted up from the kitchen, following her her down the hall and mingling with her perfume of choice for the evening. Lilies and vanilla mixed with roast beef. How tantalizing. Her own fault, she supposed. Still. Anything to make her mother's life a little bit harder. If she tried any matchmaking tonight, Delia swore she'd make a scene.

Entering the room, she had to quell a sudden shock of surprise. Many of the guests had already arrived, filling the room far more than she would have thought. Her stomach turned when she noted that Lord Clausus had indeed decided to make an appearance. She almost turned heel and headed out when she realized he was searching the room for something. Or someone. Or her. The only thing that kept her from bolting was the obligation she felt towards Killian and Sephen. Oh dear, Killian. She wouldn't even recognize him! Clausus pushed back his golden hair, his clothes displaying nothing but the utmost finest and latest in high fashion. She wanted to retch. A sense of panic filled her when she realized he'd spotted her. Like a fox fleeing the hounds, she took off, weaving her way through the crowd with expert care and grace, murmuring polite greetings as she navigated as far away from Lord Clausus as she could manage. The man simply did not know how to leave well enough alone!

She took up residence behind the Duchess Anna Farbolt. The same age as Delia herself, she was a mountain of a woman with a large hooked nose, dark brown hair, and girth that threatened to burst through her corset. Her husband, the Duke Roberto, was a stark contrast to his wife. A tall and wiry man with a bushy mustache and ten years her senior, many marveled at how deeply in love the couple seemed to be. Anna herself provided somewhat of a hideaway for Delia, effectively blocking her from Clausus' view. Now, she just had to wait for him to give up the hunt.

Both her parents were dutifully standing by the door to receive their guests. Her heart nearly stopped when Sephen walked in. The last thing she wanted was for him to have to witness this obscene cat and mouse game she was playing with Lord Clausus, but she also refused his attentions. What had she expected? It was unavoidable, she supposed. She would have to put the man in his place regardless. There were two other people with her friend, but the only one she paid attention to was the one on his arm. Was that Lilla? She blinked. Why on earth was Sephen escorting Lilla to this event? Why was he escorting anyone? Wouldn't he have told her the other day if he were courting someone, specifically someone she knew? Delia swallowed and frowned at herself. It really was no business of hers who Sephen did and did not court or escort. But still. One would think he'd mention it. Not wanting to be seen standing idly by while the Duchess and others around her conversed and carried on, Delia turned about to find herself face to face with a pot of flowers. With a moment's hesitation, at best, she reached up and busied herself by making a show of rearranging them. Sighing, she plucked one away and fixed it into her hair, a lovely blue flower she couldn't recall the name of.

--Across the room...

"Oh my! Is this really Sephen and Killian de la Braose?!" Lady Moira Mowbray crooned as the boys stepped through. "Oh! And Lilla! It's always lovely to see you, dear. I trust your uncle, the King, is well?" She was absolutely beaming and her husband stood dutifully next to her, quiet and smiling as always. He wasn't good at social events- it was better for him to be quiet. She moved to hug both boys as if they were her own sons. And who knew? A little prodding and one of them could be. Sephen seemed an unlikely candidate since he seemed to be escorting the King's niece, but then, Killian was closer to Delia's age. "Well, I'm sure you're eager to see Delia- let me see now..."

With a careful eye, she scanned the crowd of friends who'd come to celebrate this reunion. A formal speech would be given at dinner, of course. Her daughter should have found her way up from the kitchen by now- and heaven help her if the tiniest stain garnered that gown! "Aha! There she is." She pointed over by an assortment of flowers. "Just there by Duchess Farbolt. Lovely, isn't she? I certainly wish I could find a man to tame her." Subtle hints. That was the ticket.