Marriette rode home from the ball in blissful exhaustion. Soon after they came home from Northdale, an invitation to a royal ball had arrived. They had too little time for Marriette to get a new gown, so she wore the gold one from the Summer Ball. The king himself complimented her on her dress, silencing the women who whispered about the poor taste of wearing the same dress twice. Torrance danced with her three times. She looked over at her husband whose expression was a fair match for her own. The only sour note had been her father's glare from across the room.
Anna met them at the door and welcomed them home. Marriette put her arm around Torrance and walked with him to the bedroom, though he didn't truly need the help. She let her dress fall to the floor and made Torrance lie on the bed
