Page 149 of From Rakes to Riches

“Before or after we meet with Huntington, I promise we’ll dance the night away,” he said as he finished tying the ribbons of her mask, his mouth lingering beside her ear. “And I also want the whole world to know about us.”

So much happiness welled inside she couldn’t stop smiling, her emotions as effervescent as the bubbles in her champagneglass. She finished tying the ribbons of his mask and they linked hands as they left the garden.

Theodore escortedLola through the ballroom doors eager to dance and at the same time, wanting to hurry her to the carriage so they could return to his home and make love.

However, the choice was taken from him. The dinner chime rang signaling the midnight hour. Knowing Huntington would be waiting, Theodore maneuvered them forward while most of the other revelers moved in the opposite direction toward the dining room. Perhaps the foyer would be relatively empty making Huntington somewhat easier to find.

A few minutes later, the flow of guests in the hallway came to a standstill, the crush holding them captive. Theodore laid his hand over Lola’s fingers on his arm, locking her safely to his side. Directly in front of them, a tall gentleman faced them. He too had been forced to stop. He wore a black oval mask that covered his entire face aside from two narrow eye holes. The disguise lent him a sinister appearance not at all in keeping with the jovial affair and Theodore didn’t like how the man’s attention was focused solely on Lola. She definitely noticed. Her body tensed beside him and he squeezed her fingers hoping to reassure her.

“Only a few more minutes, darling.” His words drew her attention and she hugged his arm in response.

At last, the crowd shifted and guests moved more freely. The masked man brushed by, but Theodore knew Lola was unsettled.

“Let’s not imagine things,” he said as he leaned closer.

She looked up at him and gave a little nod. “Yes, there’s no reason to start seeing ghosts.”

They moved into the foyer and he was relieved to see only a few people lingered. Huntington was easily discerned since he gestured at them as soon as they walked forward.

“How did you know who I was?” Theodore asked as they approached the alcove where his friend waited. “We’re all wearing masks that conceal our identities.”

“I’ve waved at every couple that’s come through since midnight,” Huntington replied, a note of humor in his voice. “And you’re the first to walk over and join me.”

Huntington’s remark caused Lola to laugh but the lady beside Huntington gasped at hearing her and took a step back.

“Is something amiss?” Huntington asked his companion.

“No.” The woman shook her head, her dark hair falling gently over the edges of her mask.

“Let’s make haste with introductions, Essex,” Huntington said. “The ladies know who we are, but they haven’t been properly acquainted and there’s too much fun to be had.”

“Of course,,” Theodore said. “My apologies. May I present the lovely Miss York.”

Awareness prickledover Lola’s skin as Huntington and his companion smiled in greeting.

“So very nice to meet you, Miss York,” Huntington said.

“Your gown is quite beautiful,” the lady added.

That same sense of revelation made Lola lean closer. “There’s no reason to be so formal. Please call me?—”

“Lola?”

“Anna?”

“What the devil!” Huntington exclaimed. “You know each other?”

“Yes!” Lola reached up and removed her mask. “Anna, is that you?”

“Yes!” Anna exclaimed as she did the same. “How can this be true?”

“What are you doing in London?” They both asked at the same time before they embraced each other tightly, their laughter filling the alcove where they were tucked away.

After a moment Lola pulled back to look at her sister again. “I’m shocked and surprised and so very happy to see you, Anna.” Tears clogged her throat and she pressed her hand to her chest, reeling from the shock.

“Thank goodness, you’re well and safe and... you look beautiful!” Anna said, excitement in every word.

“I am well and safe,” Lola said. “I live here in London now. How is it you’re here?”

---