#((that i flirted with quite a while ago; about randall dressing up and trying to pass himself off as a high-class man))

[theheadlessgroom]

@beatingheart-bride

"Y-Yes," Susannah managed to bring herself to say, hoping she wasn't coming off as too suspicious with her lack of quickness in speaking; her mouth trying desperately to keep up with her racing mind and pounding heart. "I, uh, I'm her...younger cousin. W-We haven't seen each other in a-a little while, b-but when she invited me to the party, o-of course I said yes!"

As for her dress, she fidgeted for a long moment, toying with the skirts before she answered, "I-It's, uh...i-it's custom! I...I know someone out in Mississippi that makes b-beautiful custom dresses, s-so I, uh...I commissioned her before I came here."

She couldn't decide what was more surreal: The fact that she was sitting here making pleasant conversation with the de Clairs, who remained blissfully unaware of who she really was and how she really knew their boy, or the fact that she was talking about herself as if she were a separate entity altogether! It was enough to make her head spin, and she was grateful for the glass of water a passing maid put down on the table-it was much-needed in the moment.

As she drank and smiled and continued to try to ease herself into the cheerful conversation, she couldn't help but glance Philippe's way, watching his eyes, his face: He was quick to make a cover story for her (which she appreciated), but just how long could they keep this ruse up? Would it just be for the night...

...or would this be a strange chance for them to be together?