Page 6 of His Scandalous Siren
Three
Sofia smoothed down the front of her skirts. The party had a theme—making old, new again, and none of them had wanted to be dressed incorrectly. They had gone up to the attic at Huntly Manor and looked through some of the previous duchesses clothing, and found a treasure trove of ancient fashion. With a few alterations, the gowns had been restored, and made to fit each of them perfectly. The dress Sofia had chosen was a sapphire blue silk, and she’d also found a mask that matched it perfectly.
Luckily, the Duke and Duchess had a commitment that would ensure they would be away for the evening. Sofia, Gabrielle, Emilia, and Claudine had begged to remain at the manor. They were not up for a night of socializing…or at least, that was the excuse they had given their graces. Once they departed for their dinner party, the four women started preparations for the masquerade. The entire household would believe they had gone to bed early. When in truth, they would be at an all night party of sin.
Sofia couldn’t wait…
If she wasn’t going to marry, then she may as well have some fun. She would not be a spinster in anything other than name. She would know pleasure and give in to her desires. This was her night to explore everything she’d been wondering about, and nothing was going to prevent her from doing what she pleased. This was her night, and damn anyone that tried to insert themselves into her plans and stop her.
She had finished dressing and slipped on her shoes. Her hair was styled in a dark curls in a simple chignon that left some curls falling elegantly around her face, and a single long one that trailed down her back. Sofia donned her slippers and grabbed her mask. It was time to check on her sister, cousin, and friend. If they dawdled, they might not be able to sneak out properly. They could not afford to be caught in the act.
Sofia left her bedchamber and went to her sister’s room. She rapped her knuckles against the heavy wood door. “Gabrielle,” she called out. “May I come inside?”
Instead of answering vocally, her sister swung the door open. The glare Gabrielle shot her wasn’t a good sign. “I don’t think we should go.” Gabrielle pursed her lips in displeasure. “This is a terrible idea.”
Gabrielle hadn’t liked this plan from its conception. Sofia had expected her to be the difficult one, and that was why she’d gone to her sister first. “You’re afraid.”
“Of course I am,” her sister exclaimed. “Why are you so calm? This has disaster woven through every part of it.” She started to pace around the room. “And these dresses…” She lifted her huge emerald green skirts that were wide and appeared never ending. “How did women walk in these?”
Sofia smiled at her sister, then lifted her hands into hers. “Gabby, dear, you worry too much. Nothing terrible will happen to us. We are there to have fun, nothing more. Quit this thinking awful things and let’s go find Emilia and Claudine.”
“I don’t like this.” Petulance was infused in her tone. All she needed to do was stomp her food, and she’d be the perfect example of an insolent child on the verge of a temper tantrum. Sofia had to put a stop to this fast or they would never leave the manor.
“We are often asked to do things we do not like.” Sofia stared at her sister and did not waver. “But you promised me you would go. Do you intend to break that promise to me? Is that the type of sister you want to be?” She prayed this would work. Gabrielle had always been a wonderful sister and hated hurting Sofia in any way.
“Oh,” Gabrielle said in an irritated tone. “Why do you have to say things like that? Fine. I’ll go, but I am not promising I will enjoy any of it.”
Sofia held back a smile. It would only serve to infuriate Gabrielle. “I won’t ask you to make any such promise. But I do hope you try to find something pleasant about the party.” She looped her arm through her sisters. “Let’s go make sure Emilia and Claudine are ready. I think it is time that we depart.”
They walked down the hall toward the other two women’s bedchambers. Claudine’s door opened as they approached. Her brown hair was plaited and twisted on top of her head. Her pale pink gown was similar in style as Gabrielle’s. It had full skirts and a bodice that was cut in little low. It was a scandalous gown, but it looked lovely on Claudine.
“Oh, good,” Claudine said. “I was afraid I had kept everyone waiting.”
“We’re ready,” Gabrielle grumbled.
Sofia reminded herself not to laugh. Gabrielle hated the idea of doing anything scandalous. “Emilia is still in her bedchamber. We should check on her.”
Gabrielle knocked on Emilia’s door and they waited a few moments. Emilia opened the door and smiled at them. “Is everyone ready to depart?”
Emilia had a striking gown similar to Sofia’s. Hers was red with a gold lace overlay. She had plaited her blond hair and twisted it into a knot at her nape. Like Sofia, she had chosen not to wear any jewelry. Their only adornment would be the masks that matched their gowns. Gabrielle and Claudine had simple black masks…nothing elaborate, but striking all the same.
“You look lovely,” Claudine said.
Claudine was right. Emilia had never looked lovelier. “Now that we are all prepared. Should we go?”
“Yes,” Emilia agreed. “I’m exhilarated. This is so exciting.” Her cheeks were flushed and her silver-gray eyes sparkled. It added to her beauty.
“If we were to cross paths with the Earl of Devon, I doubt he’d be able to keep his gaze off of you.” Sofia smiled. “It’s his loss that he’s ignored you all these years.”
Emilia scowled. “We are not discussing him or his twin tonight. This is not about them. It is about us and seizing our freedom.”
Sofia couldn’t agree more. Neither of the Marsden twins were worth considering any more.
* * *
Drew strolledinto the masquerade with his twin, Alex at his side. He had thought perhaps his twin would find a reason to bow out of the party. He was glad that he hadn’t, but he kept waiting for him to change his mind. He hated that their usual closeness had seemed to be strained. Drew wished he understood what had changed. Asking Alex might seem like the easiest way to uncover that information, but he feared the answer as much as he needed to have it. One day soon, he would set aside those feelings and have a real discussion with him.
Tonight was one last chance to get their bond back without that heart to heart conversation though. Drew was like any man and hated talking about difficult topics. It used to be so easy with Alex and now that it wasn’t…it didn’t sit well with him. This night had to work. It just had to.
