There was never even a smidgeon of doubt in her mind that Peitho would play along. After all, Philotes didn't get into trouble trouble very often (getting into a sticky situation when helping a friend didn't count in her mind as actual trouble) but when she did, at least thirty percent of the time, Peitho was directly involved. And she'd guess another twenty percent of the time, Persuasion probably had something to do with it peripherally. She was very good at being a catalyst. So why would she hesitate if it were Lottie causing the trouble for a change?
She wouldn't, and she didn't. Lottie took her friend's hand, raising it to her lips for a kiss on the soft material of her glove before giving it a small squeeze. As she led Peitho on to the dance floor, from behind her she heard a grumbled, “Well, I never!” Which was, she supposed, possible, but not entirely probable. Surely the woman had been affronted in some manner prior to this, but it was the sort of thing a respected matron was supposed to say.
Philotes put her hand on the small of Peitho's back, holding her far closer than would be allowed if she were a man. And it was a good thing they were doing this now, rather than fifty years prior. There would be no way to stand so close with the petticoat frames that had been in use then. Though they'd still been an improvement on the paniers that had forced women to occasionally sidle sideways through a doorway. No, these lovely dresses with their sleeker lines and limited need for petticoats were much, much better.
The music began and Lottie ignored the stares as she started leading Peitho in the steps. She knew why they were looking and whispering . It wasn't as though there weren't women couples, “spinsters” that lived together, but society like to tell itself they were merely friends in need of companionship or financial help. They certainly never flaunted the way Philotes and Peitho were doing now.
She nearly staggered a small step when she attempted to twirl to the left and Peitho did not follow suit. She gave her friend a patient look. “Wait. Which of us is leading again?”