Reception

Wim paraded Elizabeth around to talk with the “right” people. They had spent time working out little hand signals to communicate where to go and when it was time to leave. They had practiced it like a dance. It allowed him to use her to assess things that he was missing and it allowed her to tell him when she had enough of the polite small talk with someone boorish. Wim did his best to down play his role while boasting of others gifts and talents. It was his tendency to have people think less of him and it was a protective mechanism to keep from getting to close to people.
Wim devoted much of his energy to Elizabeth. He wanted her to shine here, to turn heads and delight people.
Earlier Wim had told her, ”The trick to these parties is to smile and laugh and not get offended. People love to do and say things to shock and insult you. The trouble here is they think they know you and any secrets you and your father have. Today is about being seen and being seen as worthy of nobility.”
Her had retort sharply, “Today is about you also being nice to people and not making an ass out of yourself. You have very few friends let alone people having your back.”
She had brought a finger up and waggled in his face and then kissed him on the cheek. Wim attributed it to the new dress.
As they were speaking Wim excused himself to get them some wine and finger food.

Wim was avoiding the talk about Religion and a wedding. Elizabeth had this planned out for a while. He was going to go along with it. He did not want to tell the friar that he though most of the gods were, well words not fit to use at this gathering. he marveled in Elizabeth’s wanting to learn and how quickly she understood things.

Wim had explained to Elizabeth that the banquet table was a place to escape conversations you did not wish to have but also a place you could be ambushed.
Next the would visit Voah.