"Charmed to make your acquaintances," Muriel tittered, at the collection of young men and women, "Really, simply charmed."
Tatiana simply nodded, sending a strained smile to Erica in return to her sympathetic look. At least she wasn't the only one uncomfortable in these surroundings. The two girls, twins, both seemed a bit too energetic for her taste, admittedly one much more than the other... Adalinda seemed to get swept up in her sister's nonsense and they'd both get carried away.
Frankly she was rather uncomfortable being surrounded by so many people. Too many personalities cluttered around clamoring for attention. Thankfully Lorelei was currently the center of attention, chattering away in a manner that reminded her eerily of her mother. And speaking of said woman...
"Well, I can see that you are all are upstanding young adults," She said with a wink at the rockstar singer, "And now that we've been properly introduced I feel absolutely no qualms with leaving my darling Tattie in your capable hands.
"Do see to it that she has a good time," She said as a parting remark before air kissing both of her daughter's cheeks, before turning about with a swish of her skirt and a cheery wave, "Cheerio darlings~!"
As her mother disappeared into the crowd, Tatiana tried to hide her sigh of relief, subtly rubbing her freed arm as she sank into the first available chair.
Jennings regained the stage, now with songs dedicated to the young ladies there. Tatiana didn't pay much attention to it all, preferring just to let the sounds of babble and music wash over her... she didn't expect to be one of the girls he sang about. At the sound of 'For Tatiana' her head whipped up to stare. The music was tasteful and while the melody was simple it was none the less lovely. And the lyrics... she had to look away and dab at her eyes.
Her eyes found her mother's form in the crowd. She was laughing and clinking glasses with a pair strapping men in suits, flirting like a woman half her age. Most likely she had not even heard the music. Really, freedom and breaking chains wasn't the best metaphor. She loved her mother really. But some peace and quiet... the freedom come and go as she pleased and the opportunity to chose the people she associated with would be... would be lovely.
The group of young people had mostly dispersed, young couples dancing across the floor. Tatiana fiddled with an empty glass on the table, content to watch and enjoy the boat ride while it lasted.
It wasn't long before they arrived however and soon they were disembarking. Awaited by carriages drawn by horses, and an actual castle up the hill. Tatiana heard her mother calling for her, and quickly climbed into the first carriage she could reach, hoping to stay out of reach for just a moment longer.
The castle was large and beautiful, and stepping out of the carriage, Tatiana had to admit it was as appropriate a place for a ball as any. Feeling like a proper princess she climbed the stairs...
"Tattie! Tattie dear!" The moment was ruined as Muriel returned to her daughter's side, "There you are, oh my isn't this a beautiful castle."
Her mother continued to babble in her ear, only stopping for a breath when they reached the older gentleman to nod regally at him as he welcomed them in.
Welcomed again by their host and hostess as they entered the ballroom, Tatiana took in the tasteful blue and silver decor, chandeliers and shining ballroom floor. Here the crowd was a lot less oppressive than it had been on the yacht with plenty of room for people to mingle and dance... and tiny private alcoves for couples to get away from the masses. As soon as she was free from her mother's clutches again one of those private spots would be hers, she promised herself, and braced herself to endure another round of meet and greet.
"Mister Jennings," Cried her mother as she dragged her towards the rockstar at the bar, and Tatiana tried not to shrink away too much, but could not control her blush, "That was quite the performance earlier. I just had to come express my appreciation. Our appreciation really, a ballad for my darling Tattie! Really you shouldn't have!"
So her mother had payed attention after all. Still, while she would never have barged into greeting the man like this, she did like the song... so she managed to give him a sincere smile, ducking her head before saying quietly, "Thank you sir, it was lovely."