Artwork by GreetingsDr. as published on her Tumblr blog

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The ball was in full swing when the Turner Party arrived, a fact which elicited a glare from Timothy. “Fashionably late, Tim,” Patrick chuckled as he escorted his wife to their table.

Dr. Carson rose as they approached. At one time viewed (by Patrick, anyway) as a rival for Shelagh’s attention, now he and Patrick had forged a firm friendship. “Turner, right on time!” he called. Stepping over to them, he shook Patrick’s hand and placed a brief kiss on Shelagh’s cheek. “Shelagh, dear. You look glorious! How can you possibly be paired with this old badger? And you seem to have forgotten Timothy-Good grief, Tim, is that you?”

“Don’t embarrass the boy, Jim, he bites tonight,” warned Patrick, grinning.

“Oh, the two of you: behave. You’re like ten year old boys when you get together.” Turning to her son, Shelagh said, “Timothy, Susan, why don’t you leave your things at the seats in the middle? Susan, I’ll sit on your other side, the better to protect you from these two beasts. “

Timothy smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Mum.”

Shelagh nodded. “Now, off with you two. The dancing’s already begun. Your best bet for any privacy at all tonight is out on that dance floor!”

Susan’s eyes sparkled as she looked to her escort. Taking a deep breath, Tim took her hand and led her out into their first dance.

“Does he even know how to do the waltz?” Patrick whispered over his wife’s shoulder.

“Yes. I taught him myself. Let him be, Patrick, he’s nervous enough already.” She turned, and was surprised to see how very close he was standing. Shaking her head, she added, “What has gotten into you this evening? You have a look in your eye I do not trust.”

He took her hand and followed his son to the dance floor. “Oh, I think you can trust me, sweetheart.”

“I can trust you to make mischief,” Shelagh muttered. They stepped on to the dance floor and Patrick pulled her into his arms.

“I love dancing with you,” he whispered into her ear. “If I promise to leave Tim alone, will you promise to dance every dance with me?”

Shelagh turned her eyes to his. “Now, why would I dance with anyone else?” Her forehead nestled against his cheek, one of the advantages of the silly high heels she was wearing. Sighing, Shelagh gave herself up to the dance and followed his lead. Too soon, the music ended, and Patrick laughed softly.

“Not like dancing at home, is it? I have to keep my eyes open so I don’t bump into anyone. Not to mention keeping myself at a respectable distance. Room for the Holy Ghost?” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a brief kiss to her gloved fingers.

“Patrick,” Shelagh blushed. The music started up again, this time an old standard. Patrick took her in his arms again. “Angie was right. You do look like a princess.”

“Poor thing. She wanted to come so badly tonight. You should have seen her as I dressed. Her eyes were like saucers.”

“I can’t say as I blame her. You certainly knocked the wind out of me!” He spun her around, exhilarated.

Shelagh laughed. She wanted to stop there and throw her arms around him, press her body to his. Suddenly shy, she looked down from his warm stare.

“You’re blushing again,” he teased.

“I can’t help it. Stop teasing me and let me regain my dignity.” Shelagh tried a haughty look. When he spun her around again she whispered, “Patrick!”

He grinned. “All right, I’ll stop. We’re supposed to be the stately parents, after all.”

They turned around the room to another song, and Patrick caught Timothy’s eye. He nodded in his son’s direction, not surprised that Timothy looked away immediately. “Some things never change. He may look nearly grown in his dinner jacket, but he can’t help rolling his eyes at his old man.”

“He’s just nervous, that’s all. He really likes this girl,” Shelagh assured him.

“He liked that other one-what was her name? Tilly? Terry?”

“Madeleine. Honestly, Patrick. It’s no wonder he hates to bring a girl home to meet you. You’re ridiculous.”

“Not ridiculous. Just picky. I feel badly for him, though,” Patrick grinned.

Shelagh eyed him suspiciously. “Why?”

“Poor boy has to try and find someone as good as his father’s choice. That’s a lot of pressure for anyone.”

A/N: the Dr. Carson reference comes from my own HeadCanon. He appears in A First Time For Everything.

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