Applause echoes through the Cobalt Hall as the dance concludes. You survived!
You join in the applause for the jovial noble who called for the reel. You scarcely have the mental reserves to think beyond that before Duke Ruffino raises his hands and the hall goes quiet.
"I thank you for your company, dear friends," he says in a thin, sober voice, "and recommend adjournment to the lounge. If to your chambers you desire to go, my retinue will guide you on your way…."
The entertainment done, His Grace is clearly ready to negotiate business with his noble guests. By all appearances he will find them receptive; the chatter among the aristocrats, flushed with drink and unexpected exertion from the dance, is light and pleasant as they file away.
Onward