Lechance

To be perfectly honest about it, Delphina was as nervous as she was excited. A little scared, a little unsure about what exactly to do, despite the many long lessons she'd had on how to comport herself when courting.

She took more time than she did on a day to day basis with her hair and dressing. She pinned and unpinned and fussed over how she looked, eventually having to literally smack her own hands and admit that she'd only make things worse if she changed her appearance again.

The walk to the hotel had her stomach in knots and her heart fluttering like mad. Mrs. Langston, long-married, mostly silver-haired and very patient, stopped her outside the doors to insist that she breathe before they stepped in to meet Hattie.

Who Delphina greeted with a cheek-splitting smile. "I hope you're Ms. Palmer."

Jon arrived at the Beloved hotel a few minutes early with Mr. Fielding at his side. He was slightly nervous, but it was well hidden. As they entered the hotel he removed his hand and gloves and gave his card to the maid to take to Mr. Simoneaux.

While they waited he stood quietly and resisted the urge to walk around and look at things. He stood simply at ease and waited for his match to appear.