It's not as though she has anyone she's planning to meet, or even a boat to send. (Well, there had been some lingering thoughts of a certain Gangrel -- all that nonsense they had shared about mates and the like -- but it was so much easier to put it behind her.) But, to be honest, Anna has been really longing for a good party -- something to put herself back out into the world. She did get lonely without the other Chicago Kindred; Jones understood a great deal, but they could not and would never quite be of exactly the same sphere.

In any event, rambling philosophies of loneliness to herself was all well and good for the last hours before dawn, but they were dull during the night, and she had a new dress. And besides, all those little floating lanterns were bound to be pretty. So she had taken care of the irksome business of feeding in Mafaton, and was now draped prettily over the lounge, cradling an untouched glass of wine in one hand.