Pansy looked at Natalie. With a smile, she said, 'Oh, darling, it's just the stress of pulling off this evening, I expect.'
That, and half her friends not showing up at all....and other friends who chatted up half the room without giving her the time of day.
She shook her head in apology. 'I'm sorry, sweetie,' she said softly. 'I've kind of gotten out of the habit of social events like this, I expect...' She gave Natalie a winsome smile. 'Forgive me?' she added, her brown eyes begging.