by Aileen Fish
As he neared the woman and her young friend, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The younger woman’s eyes widened and she acted as if she tried not to look his way, although she didn’t do a very good job of ignoring him. Cinderella had her back to him, and her shoulders suddenly stiffened. Indeed, these two women were talking about him and knew he was close by.
He slowed his pace, just to prolong their wait. Just before reaching them, he turned and headed in a different direction, walking around a group of people standing nearby. He didn’t want to appear too anxious to see the mysterious woman. Slowly, he maneuvered his way through the crowd so that he could see Cinderella’s face—at least what the mask didn’t hide.
Finally, he could see her, and his heart leapt. Although he couldn’t detect the color of her eyes yet, he could tell they were aimed his way. Her mask was unlike any he’d seen before. Along the seams of the eyes-slots, chips of diamond were sprinkled, giving the essence of having glittering eyes while wearing the mask. He wanted to believe her eyes really did sparkle like gems. Another remarkable feature of the disguise was the perfect stitching of small swirls along the edges of the mask, with larger stitching for the leaf-like vortexes mixed in everywhere else.
When he finally reached her, he smiled and bowed. “Greetings again, Cinderella.”
She dipped into a curtsey. “I see you are still charming me, my prince.”
“I’m happy that you noticed.” He shrugged. “I would ask for an introduction, but I’m sure you won’t satisfy my curiosity to your identity this early in the evening.”
“You are quite right, sir. Not until after midnight, anyway.”
He nodded. “Just as long as you promise not to turn into a pumpkin at that time since you are under a spell.”
It took a couple of seconds before she tilted back her head and laughed. The musical tone of her voice surprised him. Most proper women he knew didn’t laugh so boisterous. Yet when she did it, he liked it.
“Oh, Prince Charming, I’m afraid you haven’t read the fairytale story very well. Cinderella doesn’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight. She returns to her servant status.”
The young woman beside Cinderella giggled with a hand over her mouth.
He crinkled his brow. “Then what turns into a pumpkin at midnight?”
“The coach Cinderella was riding in.”
“Well,” he shrugged, “I suppose I wasn’t one to read fairytales, anyway.” He grinned before turning to the other woman. “And what is your costume, might I ask?”
“I’m nothing of consequence, sir.” Her pink cheeks matched the color of her gown as she plucked at the sides. Ruffles upon ruffles flounced around her, making her look too…fluffy. This was definitely a dress made for a younger woman. “I just chose a gown and a mask,” she continued.
“I’ve noticed there aren’t many guests tonight wearing an actual costume.” He took a quick glance around the room. “Perhaps the Babcock’s should have made it clearer in their invitation.”
“Oh, but because you wear a costume, you stand out more than the others,” Cinderella said with a hint of laughter in her voice. “So tell me, Prince Charming, are you from Staten Island?”
He stared into her mesmerizing gaze again, still wishing he knew if her eyes really sparkled or if it was the mask making them appear that way. “Actually, I’m not originally from Staten Island. I’m from New York, but I have recently purchased a house here.”
“How long ago was your purchase?” the younger woman asked.
“Two months.”
“Then you are very new, sir.” Cinderella said with a light laugh. “Perhaps after we introduce ourselves, we’ll find we have never seen each other before.”
He noticed the music had ended, which meant another dance was soon to follow. “In that case,” he offered his arm, “would you dance with me so we can get to know each other a little better?”
“I would be delighted.” She placed her white-gloved hand on his arm.
He couldn’t believe how regal he felt escorting the loveliest woman in this room out for a dance. Sly glances from the other men turned his way and made him chuckle softly. Indeed, he would be envied tonight.
The musicians began playing a faster dance, and his hopes sank. Although most women loved this style of dance, it wasn’t his favorite at all. He’d rather have the woman in his arms while he spun her around the room.
Her jovial expression grew as the dance progressed. He couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. The few times he was able to take her hands and swing her, her sparkling gaze caught his notice. For certain it was not her mask this time.
The dance ended, and she hooked her hand over his arm as he started to escort her back to her friend, but when the fiddles began playing a slower dance, he stopped and looked into her eyes once more.
“Would it be too daring of me to ask for this dance as well?” He arched an eyebrow.
“Probably just as daring if I were to accept.”
“So shall we be daring together?” He motioned his head toward the other couples gathering on the floor.
“Indeed, we shall.”
Once she was in his arms, allowing him to lead her around the floor in a smooth waltz, his heart picked up speed. Not only was she a lovely creature, but she smelled Heavenly. This woman entranced him, and if he wasn’t careful, he might become more involved with her than just wanting to discover her secret.
He wouldn’t judge General Babcock poorly if indeed this woman was the man’s mistress. She was stunning and intriguing. But what if she wasn’t the general’s mistress? There was only one way to find out.
Slowly, he stroked her gloved fingers enfolded in his hand. He studied her more deeply than before as he scanned her face. “So tell me, my dear, how long have you known General Babcock?”
She shrugged. “Not long at all. In fact, I’ve only been introduced to him once. My aunt and uncle know the general more than I do. I was not given a personal invitation to tonight’s ball, but I came with my relatives.” She motioned her head toward the back of the room. “The woman you saw with me earlier is my cousin.”
He wished he could really see her eyes. Then he’d know if she was lying or not. However, her voice didn’t sound like she hid the truth. Her words flowed smoothly without hesitation, which told him she wasn’t lying.
“How about you?” she asked. “How do you know the general?”
Chuckling lightly, he reminded himself once more to thank Glynn and Steve for talking him into coming tonight. “Just like you, I came with friends. Although I have met the general a few times, I wasn’t close enough to him to earn a personal invitation as my friends had received.”
“I’ve heard General Babcock is a very likable man. I’m sure your charming personality will bring you closer to being his friend.” She nodded.
“Perhaps, but I’d rather be your friend.”
Tilting her head back, she laughed. The curve of her slender neck looked so smooth, and he had the sudden urge to stroke the skin with the pads of his thumbs. Thankfully, he fought the feeling, convincing himself that it was her alluring costume and her fascinating mask that had enchanted him tonight. Once identities were revealed at midnight, he was certain she would be just as ordinary—and deceitful—as most women he’d known.
And speaking of deceit… If she wasn’t Babcock’s mistress, then what was she doing sneaking around in his study in the dark? He’d caught a glimpse of her while outside earlier, and it had left him perplexed.
“Oh, what a delightful man you are, Prince Charming.” Cinderella grinned wide.
“I’m trying very hard to accomplish that.” He winked. “So tell me something, my dear. I’ve been wondering since I saw you floating gracefully down the grand staircase earlier, why you were coming from those rooms? If you don’t know the general or his family, what were you doing up there?”
She held her breath, and even her body stiffened slightly. Even through the slits in the mas
k, he could see her eyes growing larger. Ah-ha! Now he knew she had a secret because it surprised her that he asked about it.
“Oh, yes,” she breathed out a sigh. “I was upstairs in one of the side rooms because my gown had to be repaired.” She shrugged. “Nothing major, I assure you, and I sewed up the rip in the material quickly.” She peeked over her shoulder toward the front doors to the ballroom before resting her gaze back on him. “That was why I couldn’t stay and talk to you after you had saved me from almost falling. I had to find Mrs. Babcock’s housekeeper and return the needle and thread I’d borrowed from her.”
He didn’t believe a word of it, but it had surprised him how quickly she’d thought up the story. Nevertheless, he was still intrigued, and determined to discover why she was in the general’s study. If she didn’t want to tell him, he’d get that information from her—or someone—soon enough.
“How very thoughtful of her to help you out in that predicament.”
“Yes, she was very thoughtful.”
“Mrs. Babcock’s servant…what’s her name? My friend, Steve Larson, had helped her get hired on here.” He paused, hoping he appeared as if he were deep in thought, and praying she wouldn’t know he was lying as well. The beauty kept her gaze on him. “Oh, I remember. Her name is Mrs. Hemsworth.”
“Yes.” Cinderella nodded. “That’s her name. She’s such a sweet woman.”
“I can’t say I’ve ever met her, but I’ll take your word for it.” His smile grew. Yes, he definitely knew this seductress was keeping something from him.
Once the dance ended, she stepped out of his arms. The warmth he’d felt for the past few minutes was now gone, and he sorely wanted it back. It didn’t matter—right now, anyway—that she was lying to him. Over the years, he had come to expect that from women, and when he finally realized they were all that way, it helped him to protect his heart better.
“Well, Charming,” she began after a few awkward moments of silence, “I thank you for the dances, but I fear if we don’t find other partners for the dances to come, we will indeed create a scandal.”
“Very true. Although the idea of another man keeping your company wounds my ego, I must step aside and let you go. For now.” He wagged his eyebrows.
Chuckling, she shook her head and walked toward her cousin. Perhaps the only way to know what had been in the study that she thought was valuable, would be to ask his friends Larson and Nickerson since they knew the general quite well.
Suddenly excitement spread throughout Ashton, and he couldn’t wait to learn her secret. Indeed, he definitely needed to thank his friends for convincing him to come to the costume ball tonight, and especially for the new adventure he was taking.
~*~
Nicole moved between the couples crowding the floor on her way toward her relatives. Emily was being escorted onto the dance floor. The girl’s smile stretched across her face, and the way she conversed with the man, Nicole received the impression that the two knew each other. Then again, the Thornocks did live in this area and knew most of these people. Nicole was actually the stranger here.
Aunt Anita waved to her from the corner of the room, capturing Nicole’s attention. She hurried to the other woman. Uncle Michael stood beside his wife, sipping a glass of punch. Even through the slits of his mask, she detected the disapproving glare. She could barely see his arched brows above the covering.
“I thought I might have to come rescue you, Nicole,” he said sharply.
She refrained from rolling her eyes. Rescue me? She’d stopped counting how many times she wanted to tell her relatives the truth—that she was a Secret Agent, working alongside her brother and father—and that she had saved them on a few occasions, but she held her tongue. It would shock them completely to know that she was following in the family business—and being a woman, no less! All they knew was that she led the life of a pampered little girl whose father enjoyed buying her anything she wished. Aunt Anita would swoon if she knew Nicole paid for her own things.
“Come now, Uncle Michael,” she said sweetly, “why would you think you’d have to rescue me?”
“Nicole,” Aunt Anita continued for her husband when he lifted the drink to his mouth again, “you danced with that man twice…one right after the other.”
“Indeed, I did.” Nicole nodded.
Her aunt waved a fan in front of her brightly pink face. “I’m sure you know how scandalous it would be if you danced with him again, don’t you?”
Nicole sighed heavily. “Yes, I’m aware of that, which is why I won’t have another dance with him tonight.” She glanced across the room and spotted Prince Charming twirling an older woman across the dance floor. At least Nicole thought the female appeared older.
“It was bad enough that he grabbed you from falling down the stairs,” her uncle grumbled as he swiped a hand through his graying blonde hair, “but if he shows more interest in you this evening, I might have to talk with him in private. I shall not have my niece’s reputation ruined.”
“I understand.” Nicole flipped her hand in the air. “But, Uncle Michael? Do you know who that man is? Do you think he knows me?”
“Hmm…” He scratched his chin. “I’m not certain. He does not look familiar in the least.”
“While talking with him,” Nicole continued, turning her gaze back on her prince, “he mentioned he came with his friends Glynn Nickerson and Steve Larson.”
“Oh, really?” Uncle Michael’s tone of voice lifted slightly. “Now that’s interesting.”
Nicole pulled her attention away from the stunning man from across the room and settled it on her uncle. “What’s interesting about that?”
“Mr. Glynn Nickerson and Mr. Steve Larson are owners of the Conrail Railroad. Rumor has it that in the last couple of months, they’ve taken on a new partner—Mr. Ashton Lee. I haven’t met the gentleman, but I heard he is a real ladies’ man.” Uncle Michael motioned his head in the direction of her prince. “I wonder if that is the man I’ve heard so much about.”
“Yes, that’s very interesting.” When she rested her focus back on her prince, she couldn’t help but grin. Mr. Ashton Lee? If this was indeed the stranger who’d been charming to her so far this evening, it was good to know that he was wealthy and had good connections. Not that she was after a man with wealth. On the contrary. She had her own little stash of money resting safely inside a bank from her job with the Secret Service. But it was nice to know that the man she found so fascinating wouldn’t like her just for her money. Maybe this would be the first man who would get to know the real Nicole Bastian.
Then again, she’d never let anyone get that close to her before. Not even her own relatives. She knew how criminals loved to torture the family members in order to get the agents to talk.
The next hour passed by in a blur of rainbows of silks and glittering costumes. Although many men asked her to dance, she still could not keep her eyes off Prince Charming. Remarkably enough, she found his attention on her a lot of the time, as well. It was good to know she wasn’t the only one interested.
It didn’t take long for the room to become extremely stifling. So many people filled the small space, taking away any remote chance to find a breeze. She wanted so badly to remove her mask, but unfortunately the time to reveal her identity was not at hand.
After dancing with a short, plump man dressed as Napoleon—of all people—she excused herself and hurried out the side door, onto the terrace. The night air felt so refreshing against her flushed face. She walked to the gated edge and held onto the steel railing. Closing her eyes, she titled her head back, enjoying the cool air against her throat. She took in large breaths, hoping the coolness would rejuvenate her insides as well.
When she opened her eyes and gazed across the manicured lawns and the lanterns littering the walking trails, she realized not many people were out enjoying the evening and the invigorating cooler air. A few couples strolled along the gardens, but she really couldn’t tell if anyone was far
ther back in the shadows of the trees. She suspected they were, but didn’t dare venture by herself just to see.
From down at the end of the walkway, a lone figure captured her attention. The man was tall, and his stance was very striking, reminding her of someone else she’d not been able to keep her eyes off of. As she moved away from the railing and walked down the few steps and onto one of the trails, she studied his build. Half of him was in the shadows, and by watching the other half, she knew for sure that this was Mr. Ashton Lee. No other man was dressed as regal as her Prince Charming. And for certain, no other man at this party tonight had made such an impact on her mind, either.
He must have been lost in his thoughts, because he didn’t hear her approach. His gaze was aimed toward the road, yet there was nothing really to see. She wanted to say something to make him jump, yet nothing came to mind.
Softly, she cleared her throat, hoping the noise would jerk him out of his daydreams. But when that didn’t work, she knew she’d have to do it again, but louder. Either that or she’d have to actually say something.
Once more, she swallowed and cleared her throat. “For a moment there, Mr. Lee, I thought you might be lost.”
His body stiffened, but he didn’t jump as she’d expected him to do. However, his head snapped toward her. It only took him a second before his mouth stretched into a wide grin.
“Me, lost? No, my dear, it’s you who are lost.” Slowly, he turned and faced her. “Because you cannot possibly be out here with me—alone.”
Funny, but he hadn’t denied his identity when she’d called him by name. It made her happy that he was who her uncle had suspected. “I can’t? And why not? It’s not like you escorted me out here.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “No, but I’m sure if others saw us together this far away from the main house, they might assume that very thing.”
“Then perhaps I should leave.” Nicole took a step and turned, but he gently grasped her elbow.
“Please don’t go.”
She wasn’t really going to leave, but she was happy to know he wanted her to remain right here. “All right, I shall stay.”
