"You did make this year's ball very interesting," he says with an amused half smile, tapping Alfred's chin lightly before he takes his hand away completely.

"Herbert..." the Count sighs, spreading his hands in a What can you do? sort of gesture. "I spoil him, I know I do. But he's treating you well, it seems like. And he is absolutely smitten with you. You were all he talked about, after he first saw you. How the snowflakes clung to your lashes, how delicate and lovely you looked. He is... very used to getting what he wants. And I will admit, I do not deny him much."