Re: Shepard and Ashley (a little later in the evening)
Ashley had done a great deal of mingling, getting introduced to her husband's various friends and family members. She'd noticed her mother talking to Rawdon and decided to let them have their moment, using it as an excuse. She wasn't sure why but she was terrified. But her mother had shown up. That was the first step.
She picked up two glasses of some kind of fruity punch that Mrs Reynolds said was just the best. Taking a deep breath, she crossed the room and smiled at Shepard.
"You look lovely. I wasn't sure if it would be the right fit." She bit her lip and offered one of the cups of punch.