And yet there will be happiness...

Would rather be here

He was immensely pleased with himself. Having gained a lot of strength during the evening, he felt a surge of strength and confidence in himself. All problems receded into the background and he decided to have a good time. Well-dressed ladies drifted by, and young ladies gathered in flocks in the corners of the room to discuss the male sex and brag about the number of entries in the dance book. Ladies never liked him, but today the alcohol in his blood had its effect, sending him on a quest for new exploits. He reached out to grab a fresh glass from the tray and accidentally pushed a lady standing next to him.
- Can you be a little more careful, sir? - she asked sternly.
He turned and paused for a moment, looking her up and down. Then he cackled with satisfaction and held out his hand to her.
- You didn't expect to see me here, my dear? - he asked smugly.
- You? -she asked scornfully - how dare you show up here after everything you've done?
He laughed at her and grabbed her arm, pulling her out of the room. Startled, she dropped the glass from her hand, which fell to the floor with a loud sound, splintering into many small fragments.
Everyone around them froze, turning their attention to them. He paused, hesitating for a moment.
- Let me go - she said angrily - don't you dare touch me.
- You're mine, and I won't let you go - he said with a grin - you leave this place with me
- The lady clearly told you to let go of her hand - Broome said, stepping between Georgiana and her assailant - immediately.
He was clearly angry at the man standing in front of him.
"Who else are you? - he asked  Broome - no one asked for your opinion.
Broome opened his mouth to put the impudent man in his place, but Sidney was there before him.
- Mr. Howard - he said through clenched teeth - I don't remember anyone inviting you here.
- I don't need an invitation - Howard said, wiping saliva from his thick chin - especially from you.
- I insist that you leave this house at once - Sidney said in a louder voice - you are not welcome here.
- I'll only leave with her - Howard said, pointing at Georgiana, who was standing behind Broome.
- Don't even think about it - Sidney said, clearly losing his temper - this is not going to happen.
He laughed again and tried to grab Georgiana's arm again, but it didn't work. Sidney and Broome grabbed him by the arms, pulling him away from Miss lamb and pulling him toward the exit. Howard struggled desperately, trying to get away from them, but it didn't work.
- I'm going to get you - shouted Howard to Georgiana - you're mine, remember that.
Babbington moved forward, asking the respectable audience to make way. Sidney and Broome were dragging the fat Howard inexorably out of the room.
- It's all right, Ladies and Gentlemen, don't worry - Crowe recited as he followed the others out of the room - Orchestra, music!
The guests began to whisper, glancing from Georgiana to the departing gentlemen, but the music that started playing a few minutes later quickly restored everyone's good mood. The couples went dancing, seemingly oblivious to what had happened.

- How are you, Georgiana? - asked Charlotte, taking her hand.
- Better than him, I hope - she replied, trying to hide her excitement - I didn't think I'd ever see him again.
- It's going to be all right - Charlotte said, patting her friend's hand - Sidney won't let him come back into your life.
- I assume this is the one, Mr. Howard, who kidnapped your friend? - lady Wooster asked as She joined them.
- Yes, my Lady - Charlotte said quietly.
- A most unpleasant gentleman - said Susan -You're lucky, Miss lamb, that your friends managed to get you out of his arms in time.
Georgiana sighed heavily and nodded back.
Lady Denham came in, followed by Tom.
- What's going on here? - she asked sternly -  I saw Mr. Parker and Lord Broome drag a fat man past me, cursing everyone.
- Just a little trouble - Charlotte hastened to reply - believe me, you have nothing to worry about.
- I think the gentlemen will settle this matter quickly - Lady Wooster said with a smile.
- I'm counting on it - Lady Denham grumbled - every ball is a new crazy one, and I hope nothing gets burned this time.
- Mr. Parker - she said sternly - how did this gentleman get here in the first place? What were you thinking when you made the guest list?
- But Lady Denham - Tom began.
- Make sure that he is not allowed to enter any of the competitions - Lady Denham ordered - I didn't want any of the guests to get hurt.
- Yes, my Lady - Tom said meekly.
- I'm sorry, I'm going to leave you for a little - Charlotte said, then turned to Georgiana and added - you need to rest, and I'll ask Allison to walk you out.
Georgiana nodded and looked down.