A Tale of Two Choices

Edmund thought this was unusual. Watches were for men, it was not a woman's job to tell the time. The watch did have a ruby as its centre piece, giving it a feminine air. Still, it was a valuable trinket and a present of which to be proud.

Edmund finished his dressing and left his room. The Ball was due to start in half an hour, and Edmund felt a certain uneasiness. He had invited both friends and those he had no particular time for. He had also invited the great and the good of London, who he had only heard of.

Walking down the stairs to the Entrance Hall of Loxley Manor, Edmund noticed...