Page 12 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
“It is a pity that the viscount turned out to be such a cad. He is young, wealthy, and handsome. He would have made the perfect husband if he was the marrying kind. You have had the most dreadful time, Beryl. Perhaps we should do something to lighten your mood and have a bit of fun.” Flora gazed at Beryl expectantly.
Beryl arched a brow. “Fun?”
Flora was daring, and Beryl wondered what she had in mind.
“Why, yes. Lady Oakley is having her famous masquerade ball. It is not the sort of place for delicate ladies, so I doubt your cousin will attend,” Flora announced, a twinkle in her eyes.
Beryl gasped. “If it is not a place for young ladies, should we even be going there?”
“Come on, Beryl. My husband is in Wales tending to business, and he will join me here when it is concluded. I have always wanted to go to one of Lady Oakley’s famous masquerade balls, and this would be the perfect time.”
Beryl’s heart pounded. “I am uncertain about this, Flora.”
“You could use a bit of a distraction.” Her friend was trying hard to convince her.
She thought about it for a moment. “What do you know of it?”
Flora’s eyes lit up. “Mystery and intrigue are the themes of this masquerade ball. We will wear elaborate masks so no one will recognize us. We would certainly enjoy the ball, and you can forget about your worries, even if it is only for one night. What are the chances you will get to enjoy any of the season’s balls if you are acting as a chaperone to your spiteful cousin?”
Beryl was warming up to the idea. It had been so long since she had done anything adventurous. “I suppose I could sneak out.”
Flora gave her a wide grin. “We will. Mama has a whole host of masks. I only came across them when one of the staff was cleaning the town house, and I peeked into the boxes. I have the perfect one for you, but I will not tell you what it is. You will have to wait and see.”
“Oh, Flora. Will you not give me a hint?”
Flora could hardly contain her excitement. “It will be a surprise. Just think about the possibilities. Wearing a mask frees us to do and say whatever we like without worrying about being criticized.”
Beryl nodded. “I suppose that is true. Where shall we meet?”
“If you use the back entrance from your garden, I will be waiting for you with my carriage,” Flora announced.
“Unless they are at a ball, my cousins are normally in bed by eight,” Beryl said.
“Excellent. I will call for you at nine,” Flora replied.
Later that night, Beryl snuck out through the back door and waited in the garden for a few minutes before Flora arrived. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she was unsure if it was from fear of being caught or from excitement. She wore one of her finest gowns, even if it was outdated. When Beryl recognized Flora’s carriage, she opened the gate and exited onto the cobbled street. She entered the carriage and sat across from Flora, and the carriage rumbled on its journey.
Beryl’s mouth dropped open as she saw Flora, who was bubbling with excitement. Flora was dressed as a pirate, complete with a hat, beard, and mustache. She even had a spyglass dangling on a strap placed around her neck. Flora was almost unrecognizable.
Beryl raised her brows. “I was not expecting a pirate, Flora.”
Flora gave a mischievous grin. “Whyever not?”
Beryl grinned. “I supposed I thought you would be something more ladylike. A Grecian goddess, perhaps.”
Flora gave Beryl a playful look. “What would be the fun in that?”
Flora and Beryl laughed.
“Look what I have for you, Beryl,” Flora said as she opened a box that was resting beside her on the seat. Flora opened the box and took out a mask.
Beryl stared wide-eyed at the elaborate mask that would cover her entire face. It was the face of an owl with a fair number of feathers that would help to disguise her hair. She wondered if the feathers were not too long and if she would look ridiculous in the contraption. It was strange yet pleasing.
“I must say, it is beautifully crafted,” Beryl said in appreciation. It had taken a great level of skill to produce such detail.
“I knew you would love it,” Flora said excitedly as she moved to Beryl’s side of the carriage. “Let me help you to put it on.”
Beryl felt a surge of anticipation as Flora placed the mask over her face. She reached her hand up to ensure the mask was firmly in place. Flora removed a small mirror from the box, and Beryl stared at her reflection. She was dubious at first, but the mask certainly concealed her identity, and she was pleased with the result.
