As Katherine downed the rest of the wine in her glass, she glanced at Daniel, noticing how flushed his face was and that he'd already gone through at least three glasses, not to mention any he might have had at dinner. She cast another look in the direction of Eward and Daphne, but did not see them there. The prospect of drinking away her confusion did not seem tempting, and neither did watching the couple dance. Perhaps the time to take her leave had come.
Touching Daniel's arm, Katherine said soothingly, "I shall see you in the morning before I depart then, Daniel. I fear I'm horribly exhausted." Curtsying to him, Katherine hurried from the ballroom, her golden gown billowing out behind her as she ran to her room, hoping to find solace in early sleep.