"Don't let half the men here become aware of your opinion," she says lightly. "I'm afraid the Fraser clan is represented in force tonight. And not a kilt in sight, at that," she blinks, after craning her head around the room.

"And of course I would. I've accosted you, saved you from godawful wine, and my husband is--he's rather busy with a few things this evening. I can remind you to ask me to dance, or I can steal my husband's flask."