"What if you come to the Spring Masquerade Ball?"
Juliet felt a shade of heat brush through her cheeks. The Spring Masquerade Ball was one of the most significant events of the year, and it was always hosted by her Aunt Grace herself.
"You want me to dress up as one of the masquerades? Do you really think me that unappealing, Aunt Grace?" Juliet asked.
"Juliet. You are as pretty as they come. But perhaps you can strike up conversations better with men when they don't know what you look like. You know what they say; a mask gives a lady the right amount of courage."
Juliet sighed. The idea wasn't utterly repulsive to her. Now that her garden was at stake and at the risk of becoming a giant pound of dust, thanks to Camilla's exceptional gardening skills, she needed to take action now more than ever.
"Think of just how many of the men of London you shall be able to dazzle without showing your face." Aunt Grace continued, an encouraging edge visible in her voice.
"A disguise makes even the meekest of maids a bold lady at a costume ball." Juliet mentioned.
"Absolutely." Aunt Grace replied. "So you shall come?"
Juliet let a few seconds pass as she thought the idea over one more time.
"Why not?" She finally replied. If this would get both her father and her brother off her back, she was ready to do it.
"Wonderful." Aunt Grace whispered, the delight in her voice as present as the thick air in the court. "I shall get the dressmaker started on your costume."
"One more thing." Juliet continued, watching the elation on Grace's face slowly fade. "I shall be able to design my costume with roses, yes?"
Aunt Grace became full of smiles again. "Of course, my darling. Whatever you want."
Juliet nodded. While she didn't exactly show it, some part of her was looking forward to the Masquerade Ball. Perhaps this might be the solution to her problem after all.
***
Estfield Manor was filled to the brim with men and women from all parts of London, and the idea of going out to meet them made Weston uncomfortable.
It was his sister Anne's coming out ball, and if it were up to him, the event would be as minimal as possible. Unfortunately, his mother was in control, and she wanted to ensure her daughter's integration into the social society was known to all and sundry.
Weston rose from his chair and walked to the nearby mirror. He adjusted his cravat before heading out of his bedroom. He could hear the wave of murmurs from the hall as he walked to his sister's bedroom, but he tried to pay it no mind. He should manage to push through the day, and before the event wouldcome to an end, he could retire to his room. He stopped right in front of Anne's door. One of her maids was fixing her arm gloves.
Anne saw him appear through the mirror placed right before her.
"Oh, Weston. This is all very wonderful, is it not?" She asked, unable to contain the excitement on her face.
"Yes, it is. And you look really beautiful." Weston replied, leaning against the doorframe. "Any man would be lucky to have a dance with you tonight."
Anne had always been one for fairytales. She believed in love and happy endings and all the stuff people grow out of after life had dealt with them. She was the complete opposite of Weston.
"Are you ready?" Weston asked after the maids had left her side, leaving her to look at herself in the mirror again.
She nodded slowly. "Yes."
Weston managed to crank up half a smile. He stretched out his right hand and watched his sister walk to him. She slipped her arm in his, and they both walked past her doorway and towards the giant steps that led down to the hall.
"Is it a bad thing if I say that I am feeling nervous?"
"It is okay to feel nervous." Weston replied, giving his sister a reassuring squeeze. "Perhaps you might find a handsome man to dance with tonight. He will ask for your hand in marriage, and you shall ride off into the sunset with your beautiful children."
"Hilarious." Anne whispered, rolling her eyes. Weston stifled a chuckle. Soon, they got to the steps, and after giving Anne one more reassuring smile, he descended with her amidst the loud music and the wild chatter of the noblemen and women, all walking around, mingling with each other.
"Lady Anne." A deep voice greeted her once Anne's feet touched the floor. "I am Lieutenant Marcus Henderson. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Anne put her hand in his and watched him kiss it. "I am pleased as well."
