"She's going to change the world, Baroness, with or without you. Wouldn't it be so much more satisfying to be part of it?"
"And I suppose that young man...."
"He's going to help her. He is strong, loving, a gentleman. He'd lay down his life for her."
The Baroness sighed and dropped her head.
"I was young once." She lifted her head and squared her shoulders. "I'd better go be properly introduced."
Cal watched as the Baroness walked across the dance floor, couples sweeping out of her path. She reached Pentam and Crysabel. Pentam bowed over her hand. The Baroness touched Crysabel's cheek and said something which sent a bolt of joy across the girl's face and left Pentam looking dazed.
"I see it isn't just engines you fix." Captain Cully sat down beside Cal.
"Engines are easier, they don't break your heart."
"There now, don't be crying, it's unseemly for an Engineer First Class."
"I'm done crying."