"Hope," Marl said with a smile. He held his arm out toward her. "May I escort you to dinner? I would offer to dance, but you look a bit piqued."
Hope laughed prettily. "You're right. I am piqued. I don't think I could dance another one tonight even if the king himself demanded it."
Marl smiled kindly and looked toward Francesca. "Your escort is coming shortly. I hear congratulations are in order?"
Francesca gave him a nervous smile as her brows creased with worry. "Yes, thank you. I wonder how you found out though?" She said the last question quietly, almost rhetorically, but Marl still answered.
"I have seen the announcement sheet that is to be approved by the King. He had a list of petitioners and the names of their chosen girl listed next to each."
"Ah, I see," Francesca said.
"An
