“It is usually proper for women to sit this way for the entire party.”

“Really? And the men?”

“They too will sit in seiza, but after a while they will probably cross their legs.”

“I can’t sit like that,” Cleo whispered urgently. Ms. Inokawa’s perfect brow furrowed ever so slightly, and she affected a lovely look of helpless distress. Dante, who could see everything from his central position on the opposite side of the table, got to his feet and ambled ...