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“It is your assignment. To learn to give and receive compliments.”
“Whatever for?”
“Everyone likes to be appreciated for their natural qualities. So should you. You need to learn to embrace them. However, it’s just equally important not to fear giving praise. I promise you won’t be ridiculed for it.”
She frowned at him, confused about why such a task was important.
“Come, I’ll take you to your parents. They are watching from the corner.”
She allowed him to cup her elbow in his hand and lead her to her parents who plastered big bright smiles on their faces as they approached.
“Are you enjoying yourselves?” May was the first to ask and though she addressed them both, her gaze lingered slightly longer on her daughter.
“It is a wonderful party. I’m grateful you invited me,” Ryan responded.
“We wouldn’t have it any other way. But you have stopped dancing far too early.”
“I’m afraid Evelina has complained about sore legs.”
“Oh dear.” Her father’s face grew concerned immediately. Searching his daughter’s face. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, Pappa.”
“I promised to allow her to rest so that she may regain her strength for our next dance, however I’m afraid my card is full for this next waltz and I hate to leave her unaccompanied.”
“She will be fine with us, Ryan. Please, go and enjoy yourself.”
He nodded to them with a smile, then turned and sought out his next partner. Evelina watched with eyes that were full of more envy than she would have appreciated.
Unbeknownst to Evelina, her mother noticed the unguarded expression on her daughter’s face. “Is everything all right, Evelina?”
“Yes, of course, I already said I was fine.”
“I meant with you and your beau.”
“Mother, I’ve told you before. He is not my beau.”
“He certainly is spending enough time getting to know you.”
“He sees me as a novelty.”
“Nonsense.”
“I’m afraid it is true. He stated as much.”
“I’m sure he did not. He appears quite smitten.”
“He wants to cure me of my insanity.”
“Excuse me?”
She sighed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I will not be receiving a proposal from Mr. Colby.”
Her parents exchanged glances. “Are you quite certain, Evelina?”
Feeling aggravated, she pulled her attention from the dance floor where she watched in agony as Ryan took a beautiful blonde woman into his arms.
“I do believe that my acts of schizophrenia are a concern to him.”
