"I was going by your advice to not present myself as a commoner even though I am one. And in fact my priority is to stick with you, so probably that was the right thing to do."

"Commoners have much much worse lives than nobility for the most part."

"Rich ones?"

"Rich ones still have worse lives, I suspect, but it is much closer. Though I expect you would encounter many similar difficulties in being a rich commoner as from being a noble."

"I suppose. If -

- Lucette, how can the demons tell you've gotten married?"

"In order for empowered to get married they arrange to be haunted together during the same night."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Well - it seemed unlikely that demons care a lot about which kind of human they've got. So maybe they couldn't tell the difference, if you had a wedding with two women. But I don't have a demon."

"-it seems not impossible to me that it could work given that your emotions are visible as if you are an empowered, but I'm not sure.... regardless it would be culturally impossible to manage, possibly criminally so."

"Yeah, I guess. And probably all the cultures are just as sexist and in this one at least you've got your grandfather."

"And quite a lot of leverage due to my position in nobility, even if I must navigate around men to wield it."

"If you say so."

Sigh. At least Annie is very good to hug, regardless of the unfortunate reality of their social situation.

She does her best.

The next day Lucette and Annie are informed that the Manor Oakhill will be hosting a small soiree in two days time.

Does Annie have obligations in relation to this event?

As part of the Oakhill household she will of course be expected to attend.

Okay, in that case there must be absolutely no music and also she cannot dance without falling over.

Yes, Lady Lucette was quite clear on these points as well.

Just making sure.

What can Lucette tell her about what to expect?

There will be dinner, during which they'll be seated next to people of a similar age and social standing. It's a small affair, only three households beyond her own. Lucette can go over what she knows about those families, which is less than she'd like to know. She should probably make a project out of tracking social details given that this sort of thing is going to come up more and more often until she herself is married. After dinner there will be a fireworks display in the backyard - such arrangements are a hobby of Count Braxton she believes. 

Lucette and Annie will also need to find formal wear for the evening - pastels and feathered hats are quite popular at the moment Lucette believes.

"Well, I can't see and don't usually care what I wear anyway, so the most breathable outfit that can be constructed within the constraints for me, I guess."

"We'll see what the modiste can do."

Nod nod.