“I know.” Megan smiled. “But what I do want you to do is get out there on your own. Don’t politic, it’s not your strong suit. Just be charming. Dance with the dukes’ wives and daughters. Regale those pompous twits in the regimental uniforms with your real tales of derring-do. Be yourself. Be the bluff, honest, soldier. Be charming. You are, you know; you charmed me. Then save the last dance for someone wholly respectable and be waiting for me when I get home. I won’t be long. Please.” She looked up at him fiercely and hugged him to her. “Just be there. Please.”

“I will,” Herzer said, leaning into her and hugging her back. “Edmund told me that marriage is about two people leaning on each other for support. I’ll be there. Always.”

“And what support do you get from me?” Megan asked sadly.

“You keep my demons at bay,” Herzer answered simply.

“Despite…”

“I can wait,” he said, quietly. “Forever if I have to. Just being with you makes me whole and at peace. Now, get out there and work it.”

“Yes, sir!” she said with a grin. “You, too.”

“Aye, aye, Countess,” he replied, grinning back.

“Bleck,” Megan said, turning back to the room with a smile. “Once more into the breach.”

“Unto,” Herzer whispered as she walked back into the crowd. “Unto the breach.”

He walked back over to the generals and shrugged.

“If you’ll excuse me, sirs,” he said, bowing slightly. “I have marching orders. I am to go forth and be the bluff, honest soldier to wow the gentry.”

“I suppose I should go forth myself,” Galbreath said. “And see what’s what among the nobs.”

“I’m going to stay in the corner and get hammered,” Edmund said. “You guys have fun.”

“What’s with him?” Galbreath said as he and Herzer walked away.

“Edmund’s… just not this type, sir,” Herzer replied, shrugging. “He not only dislikes politics, he actively despises it.