( he'll be a little shocked at first but then ready to lend his expert skills to the task of teaching her how. it's really the gentlemanly thing to do in a situation like that. )

I don't think I've ever upset someone's father before. Mind you, I think it's because no one ever made me meet their fathers. ( would they threaten him with a sword (traditional) or a nerve disruptor/plasma arc (for the progressive vor)? he doesn't know, and he doesn't really want to find out.

but her enthusiasm makes him smile. he's never seen anyone that excited about dancing. they all just consider it something they're obligated to do every so often. )

The biggest. Winterfair, the Emperor's birthday. M'mother's in charge of ( he flounders here for a second, about to say gregor before he catches himself ) the Emperor's social everything, as he's not married and doesn't have a mother of his own. ( well there's always aunt cordelia, but he's reasonably sure lady vorpatril wouldn't unleash cordelia on any poor unsuspecting visiting barrayaran without warning. ) So we always get invited.

( also: he's related to the emperor. that helps. )