The ballroom became a flowing circle as couples left and couples joined. Lord Benson held Freya’s paw gently but she could sense some nerves settling as they stood in the first position.

The music began, and she let him lead her through the first stanzas. She wanted to feel if he’d take the lead gently or try a more forceful approach.

She was pleased to find him somewhere in between. His strong lead complemented her, enhancing her as they moved.

Madame Leng was entranced as the pair circled near their side of the ballroom. Mister Seafoam smiled at Freya as Lord Benson cleared his throat.

“Miss Uki, is this your first time meeting Mister Seafoam?”

“I was unaware of his profession, I am afraid, as I only know him through Madame Leng.”

Freya twirled, trying to accentuate the cape to the small crowd of onlookers. A familiar pair of gaudy purple and yellow bowties popped into the corner of her eyes. The Cobbler brothers were somehow both speaking with their arms with Madame Leng and Mister Seafoam.

“Ah. Well, I see you’ve attracted more suitors.” Lord Benson nodded as they turned.

“The kindness of the Raven knows no bounds indeed. And just as I was about to resign myself to spinsterhood ushering in a season of defeat. Perhaps I should give up next season's intentions as well,” she said as a warm smile crossed her face.

A happy twin to her smile crossed his face as well.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

They parted briefly as Freya bobbed in a dance around a Lady LaCroix, a mouse that Freya had only seen from afar previously. Returning to Lord Benson they joined arms again.

“You’re far too young to discount the annual harvest of both food…”

Lord Benson turned her, pausing for the briefest of moments.

“…and eligible suitors.”

“Lord Benson, you rake, I imagine that is something that you tell all of the debutantes. It’s a wonder that you haven’t already been married off.”

Lord Benson’s whiskers extended up in joy as the pace picked up slightly.

“I’ve heard that the season in which a lady of the court gets married off, is remembered with warm fondness even in old age. I certainly made an effort in years past, but…”

Freya almost missed a step leaning in closer to hear.

“You’ve been away, haven’t you?”

“It’s true. I have been handling my family's affairs and in all that time I’ve forgotten to take care of my own. I intend to correct that deficiency this season.”

Freya turned to greet Lady LaCroix once again to find that Lord Richards had cut in.

Freya had been so self absorbed that she hadn’t noticed. Freya's tail floated up as she met Lord Benson again. The two exchanged warm smiles.

“Lord Benson, there is a slight chance that Lord Richards is next to you.”

“Ah, indeed, the young Lord and I have had many profitable business dealings in the past. I believe that his current season may work out well for him.”

“He seems to be quite taken with my good friend, Miss Abigail Smith.”

“Ah, I do hope that the two should make a good couple, that is if in fact they do… uh.”

Freya took in the rabbit before her.

“That is to say.”

Lord Benson tugged at his collar.

Freya updated her image of the young rabbit lord, from potential suitor to possible client. Perhaps his unease had gotten to her.

The strings slowed to end the dance and Freya turned back to the group they had left.

“Lord Benson, I do wish you many profitable dealings this season.”

The waltz ended as Lord Benson relaxed, walking Freya back to the small group that had gathered to watch.

“Do let me know if there is any way that we can talk shop soon, Miss Uki.”