Dance Instructions

[Carnelia]

“...and so I said to the sailor, ‘I’d put a cap on that if I were you,” I can hear Ona cackling before I even turn to pass the arboretum. I wonder if we have a guest because I haven’t seen anyone arrive, but she is having a good time with someone.

Now I understand why Ona was being so cryptic when she told me to dress up tonight. Looking down, I’m glad that I decided to pull one of these gowns that Primus had made for me out of the dressing room. It has been weeks since I’ve worn anything that didn’t resemble a glorified sheet. It feels strange wearing the corset and petticoats again, but at least I will look good for whoever is in the main hall making Ona laugh.

“Sister, enough!” he chuckles. “No more! I just can’t I…”

The smile I was wearing to greet our guest falls suddenly from my face as I forget how to breathe.

Primus is sitting at the head of the table with Ona to his right. She is holding up a large glass goblet of what appears to be wine, but knowing