I know you would, and I am gladdened that you would. [If they could get away from here, Zelda would stop caring about scandals. She wants to hold on to Maria in more ways than one.

Her eyes widen as she thinks.] My father turned down the invitation. He is not one for what he considers frivolous parties for those who are not almost equal in stature to himself. [She can't help a smile from tugging at her lips.] I would be honored to accompany you. The escorts my father would send could be easily bribed to spend the night in the towns taverns.