Leah and Bertie
The sheer scale of the party meant that Bertie was nearly overwhelmed by greeting his acquaintances alone--there were people here from every circle of his life, including a few he hadn't thought would ever intersect.
When it came time to dance, however, there was one young lady in particular to whom he believed he owed a turn around the floor, and a chance for a moment of conversation.
"Miss Allen," Bertie greeted her, rising from his bow with a grin that had overtaken his more somber expression. "May I have the honour of a dance, while I can be reasonably assured that my parents aren't here and watching us like hawks, eager to begin planning our spring wedding?"
Bertie coughed once into his glove. "Not that I could blame them," he admitted, eyes bright with mischief. "You look radiant. I'm sure they'd consider it quite a coup to introduce such beauty into the family bloodline."