Dinah and Hill (and Bruce)
"Well," Hill said with another small, faint smile, "I suppose that's one way it's much worse. Save me from boredom. So I suppose I'll follow you on." And now the smile was a little softer, almost shy, the same awkward air that had almost eased during the dance.
The music was slowing, coming to an unmistakable conclusion - at least of the song. The musicians continued to play, but the interlude allowed for dancers to exit the dance floor, or enter it...or change partners.
Hill stiffened as the man approached, all the little gestures and looks of openness fleeing back into cold and hard wariness. There was just a spark, a small tip to the chin, in answer to the recognized coiled tension, hackles raising. But instead, Hill executed a very short bow. "Of course. Excuse me." And then he turned on his heel and stomped back towards the wall, cut a quick glare to the matron who tried - again - to direct his attention to the girls, eventually winding out into the gardens where a man could have a secret smoke and not have to look at the dancing couples just out of arm's reach.