jazz wrote:Among the hundreds of party guests, waiters and decorations, < (no comma) many things in the enormous party hall at the Delyle home could be easily overlooked. One thing, however, that was not missed by one < (I don't get what you're trying to say here.) was the beautiful teenager sitting sideways on a chair, chewing her long, auburn hair. < (Yuck. But I like it, nice touch and characterisation) For most, this party was the classiest gathering they had ever been to, < (who had ever been to?) much more dignified that < (I presume you mean 'than') the others, < (this is unneeded. We already know it's classy. ) for this was Marcus Delyle’s way of announcing his engagement to Katherine McKenn. Many attempted to talk to the girl, < (whoa. Maybe put all marked in green before all the rest, with an intro to the party, of course.) knowing that accomplishing so would raise their status with her mother and soon-to-be-stepfather, < (maybe change to ';') however none succeeded, and the girl merely continued on with her thoughts of the new life ahead of her, and wishing she could get out of the tight black, satin dress and painful high heels her mother picked out for her. (paragraph) In between talking with guests and checking on the hors d’oeuvres, Katherine cast many worried glances at her daughter, wondering if she was forcing too much change on her daughter too quickly. She began walking towards her, knowing that she had to talk with her, when she was stopped by Gretta, her children’s nanny who was never let go. < (what? just cut the 'never let go' stuff out, it's unneeded.) “Katherine, let me. You’re dealing with enough stress as it is what with all the preparations for this party and I really don’t think a confused teenager should be the main thing on your mind. < ('main thing on your mind' doen't sound right.) Go do something else, and I will speak with her.” (paragraph)Katherine sighed, clearly grateful for Gretta’s offer, and bustled off to greet more people who had walked in the door. (paragraph) “Elizabeth,” said Gretta, softly placing her hand on the girl’s shoulder. Elizabeth jumped and craned her neck to see who was behind her. “Oh, hi Gretta, I thought you were another guest trying to bring up conversation with me. < (bring up conversation?) You’d think there was some sort of prize for the person who could get me to talk,” she said with a laugh, though it did not carry into her eyes. “Elizabeth,” said Gretta again. “It is clear that you are not enjoying yourself; why not head up to your room? I’m sure your mother and Marcus won’t mind.” Elizabeth shuddered. She hated to think that the large, princess-like room upstairs was now hers.
