She couldn't believe it, this had to be some sort of coincidence. He was a perfect little gentlecolt, yes, but not only was this a party for the highest of high society, he should be in Ponyville as far as she knew...
Yes, that was it, this had to be a case of mistaken identity. Rarity turned to her hosts, "I beg your pardon, Fancy, Fleur, but who is that fellow there in the white tuxedo?"
"White Tuxedo..." Fancypants trailed off as if remembering something, but it was Fleur de Lis that broke her perfect decorum with a loud gasp.
"Spike!" The mare dashed across the room, scooping Spike up into a hug, causing him to drop a glass of what Rarity hoped was grape juice.
"By jove, it is Spike," Fancy smiled, adjusting his monocle before addressing Rarity in a low voice, "A bit of advice, Rarity, make as good of a first impression as you can, a friendship with young Spike will open more doors than you would ever know. Why, I wouldn't be where I am today without Spike Dragul Solaris." With a wide smile, the stallion trotted off.
Rarity watched, an odd twitch in her eye, as the elite of Canterlot gathered around her little Spikey-Wikey like he was the second coming of Celestia, Stallions joking, Mares swooning, and Rarity seriously wishing she'd packed her fainting couch.