Page 23 of A Lady's Passion Knows No Distance
“Miss Caroline, you’ll be sure to remember my words. Soon you’ll be married and will understand what I mean.”
“Yes, Lady Murphy. I appreciate all your words of advice,” Caroline said, wanting to show her escort just how grateful she was to spend time in town away from her parents, and her intended. This week would surely be the last bit of freedom she experienced for the longest time. She knew she wouldn’t enjoy being married to Lord Canton and wasn’t sure what type of husband he would be to her. For all she knew, he would keep her at home and away from the eye of society.
Once they were finally both ready, Caroline and Gwendolen followed Lady Murphy from the room and down to the foyer where Lord Murphy waited patiently for them. He rose from a chair situated next to the open front door for such occasion, and as Caroline finished descending the stairs, she could see that the carriage was already waiting for them.
“I see that it was worth the wait,” Lord Murphy said with a chuckle. “You two are absolutely gorgeous. I’ll be sure to tell Lord Canton so when he arrives later this week.”
“Thank you, Lord Murphy. You are very kind,” Caroline said only because she knew it was the proper thing to do. She didn’t really care for the thought of Lord Canton knowing of her beauty or that she was willing to dress up for this ball and never for him. Perhaps she would take pleasure in knowing that she had bested him during the week they were separated.
As they all made their way from the house and into the carriage, Caroline couldn’t help but giggle as Gwendolen had to carefully dip her head low so to ensure the deer antlers didn’t break as she stepped up into the carriage. And once she was seated, the tops of them brushed against the ceiling of the carriage, causing Caroline to giggle once more.
“This is no laughing matter,” Gwendolen said as she tried to ward off her own mirth. “I am determined to arrive to the ball intact.”
“This must be one of your biggest feats, Gwendolen. I have never seen a masquerade mask so elaborate before,” Lord Murphy said. He rapped his knuckles against the side of the carriage, signalling that they were to be off. As the carriage started to roll forward, Gwendolen braced herself, trying to fight the movement so as to protect her headdress.
“I believe it will all be worth it for this evening. By the end of it, I shall not care what happens to the mask. But just think of the gossip I will hear from wearing the most splendid mask of them all,” she cheerfully said. Caroline couldn’t help but think that Gwendolen was very outgoing and should have been married already for her beauty alone if she wasn’t so headstrong. Alas, Caroline was certain that Gwendolen would meet her match one day.
“My word, what a sight,” Lord Murphy said as she leaned forward on her seat to view the people gathering outside. Caroline and Gwendolen did the same, a sea of masked people waiting in front of the dance hall to be received by the hosts.
“They are all so magnificent,” Caroline declared. She had never been to a masquerade quite like this. The crowd was much larger, and the grounds of the dance hall would more than likely be occupied since the dance hall itself would become very warm with the dancing of people and constant conversation.
“I can’t wait to see the splendour of it all. I’m sure the dance hall has been decorated to fit the theme of the night,” said Gwendolen eagerly.
“I simply want you two to keep a close eye on each other. It may be possible to get lost in such a crowd. Just promise me you two won’t do anything rash,” Lord Murphy said then, capturing the women’s attentions as they looked away from the crowd.
“Of course, Father. Lord Canton would have my head if I lost his fiancée and allowed her to converse with other gentleman who would find her beauty too alluring,” Gwendolen said with a giggle.
“All I am saying, my dear, is that sometimes people act boldly when they are masked and can hide their identity. That is why these social gatherings are so popular. People pretend to be whom they are not. It is best not to take anyone seriously till the unveiling of the masks,” Lord Murphy warned.
“Wise advice, my dear,” Lady Murphy added. “Now, girls, I will not hover over you all night. I am relying on you two to act with dignity and to use good judgment.”
“Yes, Lady Murphy,” Caroline said. “I do hope we shall all enjoy ourselves this evening.”
“Rightfully so,” Lord Murphy agreed. “This shall be a splendid time.”
As the carriage came to a stop, Lord Murphy alighted first to help the ladies down. Gwendolen needed special care and Lord Murphy ensured her mask did not sustain any damage as she stepped down. The antlers stood a foot higher than she did, making her appear taller than she actually was. But with her lithe body, she was sure to gain the attention of many present. Together, the four of them made their way to the reception line, all turning their heads from side to side to get a good look at everyone else’s masks.
“Do you think he is here?” Gwendolen whispered into Caroline’s ear as she looped their arms together at the elbow.
“Who?” Caroline asked.
“You know. Sir Roberts. The man everyone is talking about,” Gwendolen said as she looked around at the people closest to them in line. It was fun trying to guess who was who.
“It’s possible, I’m sure. It depends on the man’s want of being seen in social settings. But regardless of that, my dear, is the fact that we don’t know what he looks like or what mask he might be wearing. The chances of us discovering him tonight may be slim, unless he is quick to reveal his identity to others.”
“Caroline, you think so seriously. I am filled with so much hope of meeting him that I am certain, beyond reason, that we shall make his acquaintances this night.”
Caroline simply patted her friend’s hand as they made their way through the reception line. She couldn’t fault her friend for always being optimistic and simply hoped that her wish would come true.
As Gwendolen had guessed, the dance hall was decorated to fit the theme of the night. Large porcelain vases that sat upon the floor were filled with all sorts of things, from towering trees that were decorated with hanging glass balls filled with feathers, to bundles of branches that still had their flowers and leaves.
The room was rather fragrant, thanks to the number of potted flowers and plants that had been positioned about the foyer and dance hall. It was one of the most magnificent things that Caroline had seen. And though most of the candlelight had been positioned near the dancing part of the room, she could see clearly all the unique designs.
“How delightful,” Gwendolen gushed as she took Caroline’s hand and squeezed it. “There is so much to see that I don’t know where to start.”
“I wonder if the gardens are as beautiful as the inside,” Caroline commented.
“Then let’s start there,” Gwendolen suggested. “Mother, we are going to go explore the gardens together. We shall meet you back towards the centre of the room for when the dancing begins.”
