“Bonjour, Monsieur Belmont.” Patience called, crossing the room to greet the rather sullen looking Frenchman. She could not stand the thought that someone at a party she should be the hostess of looked to be in such a sour mood as the young man did and she resolved to do everything within her power that night to make him smile. “Would you care for a drink? Or maybe a dance later on? I know I myself still have a few spaces left on my dance card, but there are any number of eligible young ladies here I could introduce you to.”