(OOC: New round! I am getting so much practice in counting Treyburns! I'm fast-forwarding a bit so we can get Jana in!)
"There's no need, darling," Rose answered from the stairs as she surveyed the family. Naturally, she had to be the last to arrive... "Look at you all! Cherie, where are your shoes?"
"Right here," Cherie answered with a sigh. "Do I really have to wear these?"
"All night." Rose gave the girl a sharp look, adding to her only sensible daughter, "Dahlia, do make sure your sister leaves her shoes on. Florry, quit lurking and stand up straight. Oscar..." She paused to straighten a sleeve, which, she had determined, wasn't falling quite correctly. "I'm so glad you're here. Try to find a nice girl while you're there. Braxton... Braxton, where are you? Oh. Now, remember what I told you. You must impress these people. Try to gain an introduction to the Grand Duke if you can, and be sure to tell him about your command at Ferryton." She was circling the room as she spoke, apparently picking out children to scold as she came across them. All the while, she was straightening outfits, adjusted loose strands of hair, and, generally, interfering with their outfits as much as possible. "Jillian, put that book away! You're too old to have your head in a book all night, and Trevian... I thought I told you that you were not to go as a playing card!" He made a face in her wake and readjusted the hat she had straightened so that it hung slightly to the side. "And, Janette, behave yourself! I'll just die if I hear you've been fighting at the ball!" she announced shrilly as she completed her circle, standing halfway up the stairs to better look at them all. "Redly, get out of the way. I want to see everybody in their costumes." The tone directed at Redly was harsh, but her final statement was delivered with a warm and winning smile, in complete contrast to the way she spoke to her eldest son.
Redly was used to it, and he didn't hold it against her; it had been twenty years, after all. So, instead, he stepped up onto the stairs behind her...just to take a look himself. And, while Rose was staring at the gathered crowd of Treyburns with something like resignation, Redly looked as proud as though they were his children, one and all.
"I suppose," she sighed heavily with a shake of her head. "It will do."
"Ma, they look great," Redly corrected with a grin.
"I still think--"
"No, no." Redly caught his mother's slender shoulders with both of his arms, gently but firmly to stop her from going back down the stairs. "I think we should let them get going, don't you? They shouldn't be late."
"That's right," she agreed, giving Redly a somewhat suspicious look but accepting his thoughts on the matter. "Good night, my darlings. Make us proud of you. And I expect several of you to secure spouses at this little party. Goodness knows, with all these children, you'd think I'd have more than two who bothered to marry. And..."
Her voice faded as Redly guided her to her bedroom.