December 31st, 1890 — Oakshire Hall, Kent

Well wasn't her ball quite the success? Tig was quite pleased with herself yet equally impatient to see people get caught out by her little traps. So far she thought she'd spotted someone burn their hand but the reaction had been underwhelming and she wasn't entirely convinced.

Tig spotted a female with red hair and out of habit turned to her side only to realize that Angeline wasn't there but of course she'd known that. Feeling a little foolish and also annoyed at having been denied the opportunity to make a scathing remark about how the woman's hair matched the fire. She looked back at the redhead only to see that she'd turned around and it was Ellory.

Since Ellory's wedding Tig had done all she could to keep a safe distance from her but she couldn't really snub her for an invite either. Unlike any other social event, however, this was her territory and she wouldn't be forced to furtively skirt around her all evening in her own damn ballroom. Best get the unpleasantries out of the way.

Antigone stalked across the room and accosted her. "Cousin Ellory, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't think you'd dare show your face this evening."

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