"Oh, ta ra," Clarissa said lightly. "In retrospect I suppose it is all rather funny--though I doubt that Lydia would agree." Adrian's humor ended there, and he arched one eyebrow in displeasure, though she could not see it. "Forgive me for saying so, my lady, but your stepmother sounds to be a rather nasty old cow." "Oh!" Clarissa said, dismayed. "Oh, you must not say that. Ever." "Why not?" he asked with careless amusement. "I am not afraid of her." "No, but...She would be furious. And she would not like you were she to hear you say such things about her." "I could not care less if she likes me or not--," Adrian began, but Clarissa cut him off. "Oh, but you must care. If she does not like you, then she will not allow me to dance with you anymore, and...and...I do quite like it," she finished with some embarrassment. The look of scorn on Adrian's face melted away at her confession, and his annoyance softened slightly. "Well, then, I shall have to be sure to treat her with the utmost respect." He watched her pink, embarrassed face for a moment, then added, "Because I quite like dancing with you, too." Clarissa turned to him and beamed brightly. -Clarissa & Adrian"