The Mansfield House Yearbook: Volume IX
Alexander and Theophilus - well, mostly Alexander - have decided to throw a party, to celebrate their recent engagement, and have invited their nearest and dearest, including Frederica, who's getting her first taste of uni life.
Unfortunately, the guests aren't behaving themselves with any decorum. The very-married Eleanor and the recently-engaged Hester can't resist a smooch, for old-times' sake. And the family feud between Jasper and Bennet is unabated. It's such a shame, as they were so close as children, but Jasper can't contain his disappointment that his brother is still toying with Sophia behind Thomas's back.
Good-hearted Alexander can't bear for his brothers to be at odds, and just wishes they could put their differences behind them.
He really wants everyone to just be friends. Maybe a light-hearted game of Don't Wake the Llama will do the trick?
That's better!
Meanwhile, Edward treats them to a display of his guitar-playing expertise. Knowing that his cousin Jasper is a maestro on the instrument is a little intimidating.
But wow! He approves, and it means the world to Edward.
The evening finally ended well, but the next morning, things are not looking so bright. Nathaniel doesn't seem to have got the memo that Alexander is engaged now, and hazards a flirt with his crush.
Although initially taken off-guard, Alexander soon sets him straight. (Actually, it seems that Nathaniel had more than a crush going on.)
But Theophilus is a sensitive soul, and takes the misunderstanding very hard indeed.
An apology just isn't enough, no matter how earnest it might be.
Theophilus needs some space, and throws himself into his term paper, by way of distraction.
Alexander uses the time to offer some fashion tips to Llama Guy.
But with his term paper completed in one marathon session, Theophilus is in urgent need of some fun, and Alexander manages to convince him that their favourite game is just the thing. Maybe it will work its conciliatory magic once again?
