I enjoyed a few precious moments of alone time, listening as Warren’s father chatted nearby with some magistrates, assuring them the rumors of Icori marching to Cape Triumph had no basis. I was curious as to what had triggered these fears but never found out. Once Warren spotted me, he hurried away from Mira and trailed me again. The slightest slip of her serene expression showed she was more frustrated than heartbroken, but distraction soon came as another young man tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to him, her smile instantly returning.
The party’s end couldn’t come too soon for me. After assuring Warren I’d be at the Flower Festival, I gratefully joined the others in heading to the carriages awaiting us outside. We only required two now to transport us. As we loaded up, I suddenly noticed something.
“Where’s Mira?” I asked. Not again, I thought. A check showed no sign of her waiting outside with us. Cedric went back into the house, and I waited by the carriage’s door, despite the driver’s offer to help me. My unease grew as Cedric remained inside for far longer than I would’ve expected. She left all the time at home, but how could Mira disappear here?
At last, I saw them come out. He helped her into my carriage, and we were on our way.
“What happened?” I asked.
She rolled her eyes. “I got trapped in conversation by one of those men who wanted to know if he could get a ‘deal’ on me.”
I studied her carefully. Her tone and expression seemed honest enough, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was holding something back.
The next day, we found out that Caroline had finalized a contract, bringing our numbers down further. Jasper, though excited by the progress, felt the need to give the rest of us a pep talk.
“Although your contract gives you three months to choose,” he said at breakfast, “it rarely takes any girl that long. Most are settled in a month’s time. I’d be very surprised if the rest of you didn’t have many offers at the festival tomorrow night.” His gaze lingered on me the longest. “Very surprised.”
The Flower Festival, dedicated to the glorious angels Aviel and Ramiel, was the biggest spring holiday in the Osfridian calendar. It coincided with the Alanzan Spring Rites, and there was some controversy over the holiday’s true nature. Devotees of Uros claimed the heretics had taken the traditional holiday and corrupted its veneration of healing and pure love by adding in worship of the wayward angels Alanziel and Lisiel. The Alanzans believed it was an ancient celebration of passion and fertility and that the orthodox worshippers had sanitized it.
Regardless, it was second only to Vaiel’s Day as our most celebrated holiday. Elaborate parties and banquets were commonplace, even here in Cape Triumph. We’d be at the large town hall again, in a splendid ball paid for by the governor and several other politicians. Even the engaged girls were going. Jasper claimed he didn’t want them to miss out, but I suspected he wanted to show off the girls with their fiancés to any undecided men. The gala would have a masquerade theme, which was common in Osfrid, less so here. Mistress Culpepper hadn’t been prepared for that and had to hastily make the necessary arrangements.
As usual, her “hasty” work was meticulous, no matter her grumbling. I had a delicate half-mask of silver filigree adorned with crystals. It was more of an enhancement than a true mask, since Jasper wanted us readily identifiable. The mask was the perfect accompaniment to my gown, an off-the-shoulder vision of white satin embellished with silver roses and ribbons.
“You know,” Mira told me slyly, adjusting her own glittering red half-mask, “the tradition of masquerades goes back to the Alanzans conducting Spring Rites in masks. They put on masks of leaves and flowers, or dress like animals of the forest. Men and women dance without even knowing who their partner is.”
I hadn’t seen Cedric all day but had heard him speaking about the ball, which I assumed meant he’d be skipping any Alanzan rites— unless he’d be joining them extremely late. Had he ever participated, I wondered? And to what extent? The whole notion of dancing with a mysterious partner was pagan and improper, of course, but after the Star Advent, I felt a flush spread over me as I thought about him pulling me against him in some dark, wild place.
We entered the hall amidst much fanfare, and I was impressed to see it had been decorated to levels rivaling our initial gala. Flowers, of course, were the main décor, though not all of them were real. Some had been crafted of silk and jewels, hanging in elaborate wreaths and garlands that sparkled in the candlelight. The attendees consisted of more than just potential suitors, the occasion drawing out the finest citizens of both Cape Triumph and Denham at large. I felt certain my companions and I were the grandest in the room, simply because of our greater access to luxury fabrics, but all of the masked guests were fascinating to behold.
Cedric arrived right as things started and, rather than send me off to a scheduled partner, he swept me into the first waltz himself. “Your father won’t like this,” I teased.
“Oh, don’t worry, he’ll soon have a lot more to be upset about,” Cedric told me. “Besides, from a distance, he might not even know it’s me with the mask. It’d require him paying attention to something besides himself.”
I recognized the tone, the lightness. It was my cue to throw a quip back. But instead, I found myself saying, “I’d know you anywhere, even with your face covered. It’s in the way you move and smell. The way you feel . . .”
His hand tightened around my waist, bringing me fractionally closer. “You’re not making this easy. Especially since I’m here to tell you that Nicholas Adelton has agreed to marry you tomorrow.”
“I’d hope there isn’t any way to say that that’s easy.”
“No, there isn’t.”
We fell into silence and let the music and the hum of conversation surround us, our eyes locked on each other as we glided through the room. I had the overwhelming urge to rest my head against him, but that wouldn’t really help maintain our disinterested cover. Also, that wasn’t an appropriate action in a waltz.
As the song wrapped up, Cedric lifted his eyes from my face. He’d been contemplative while watching me, but now his brow furrowed. “The governor-to-be has just spotted you. Let me get you over to Adelton for the next song. He’s on board with everything but wanted to ask you something first.”
Puzzled, I let Cedric lead me to Nicholas, just in time for the next song. Cedric was all politeness as he spoke to the attorney but cast me a lingering look as he walked away.
“I’m sorry I’ve been out of touch,” Nicholas told me as we moved into the new dance. His half-mask was a simple one of blue fabric. “My client is a cousin’s friend, and he’d been greatly wronged in a trade matter. I couldn’t abandon him.”
“I think it’s admirable,” I said truthfully.
“I can’t fight all the injustice in the world, but I try to do what little I can. But enough business.” He smiled down at me. “Mister Thorn has explained to me there’s, ah, some urgency in what we have planned and that we’d have to manage a few tricks to make a wedding happen in time. We should be able to pull it off, but first I need to know . . .” His expression turned uncertain. “Are you sure you’re willing? I don’t want you rushed into this. I don’t want you doing something you’re not absolutely sure about. You should choose who you want.”
I felt a pang in my heart, not only because of his consideration but also because of the truth it skirted around. Who did I want to choose? Cedric, of course. But he couldn’t afford even the stake that would keep him alive, let alone my price. Anything else would be a breach of contract and create a great deal of scandal.
You could do a lot worse than Nicholas Adelton, I told myself. Even if it means becoming Adelaide Adelton.
Viola, across the room, caught my eye just then. It only strengthened my resolve, and I turned back to Nicholas. I pushed away my heartache, trying to ignore the way every part of my being cried out f
or Cedric. “Yes,” I said to Nicholas. “I’m certain. If Mister Thorn can take care of the technicalities, I want to do it. And he will. He always does what he says he will.”
I finished the dance with a heavy heart and expected my next one to be with Warren. Instead, it was Viola who swept me to the side of the room. “Adelaide, dear, I feel like we haven’t spoken in ages.”
That was true. While I’d dutifully spent time with Warren, I’d gone out of my way to avoid her.
“It’s been a very busy time,” I said.
She smiled, her lips thin and tight like a snake’s. “Yes, I’m sure. But a pleasant time, no doubt. Warren can’t stop talking about how much he’s enjoyed your company. I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”
“He’s every girl’s dream.”
“Indeed. And yet, he remains unwed. Not even promised. You can imagine how distressing this is to me, especially with his departure for Hadisen coming so soon.” She sighed dramatically. “I’d feel so much better if everything was settled. I hate loose ends, don’t you? I hear Silas Garrett does as well. His partner is en route to Cape Triumph. Should be here any day.”
I kept a frozen smile on my face as I scrutinized her. Was she bluffing? Hard to say. “I’m sure it’ll be a great relief to them to figure things out once and for all.”
“And I’m sure it’ll be a great relief to you to no longer worry about what they do or do not figure out.” When I didn’t answer, her sickeningly sweet expression dissolved. “Stop delaying. You can do no better. You’d be in no danger of returning to Osfrid. Do this, and make everyone’s life easier—because I assure you, dear, I can make yours much more difficult.”
Warren came up to us just then. “Mother, I didn’t expect you of all people to steal Adelaide away.”
Viola’s smile turned beatific. “Well, we didn’t want to bore you with details . . . you know, the sorts of details that really only matter to women when nuptials are involved.”
He looked between us both incredulously. “Nuptials . . . you don’t mean . . .”
“I think our dear Adelaide has stopped teasing us at last,” said Viola.
“Is this true?” Warren caught hold of my hands. “You’ve accepted? We should announce it right now! It’s the perfect night.”
That anxious tightness in my chest returned, and I had to remind myself to breathe. “No—no. No announcements tonight. I mean, your mother and I have been speaking informally, but nothing can go forward . . .” I trailed off, staring across the room to where I could see Cedric speaking impassionedly to Nicholas. Nicholas was beaming, so I hoped that was promising news. “Nothing can go forward until all the details are drawn up with the Thorns. The marriage price, contracts . . . it wouldn’t be proper to announce before the rest is official. I wouldn’t feel right about it.”
Viola’s eyes narrowed, and Warren looked a little crestfallen but not too terribly put out. Meanwhile, my thoughts were racing. What would this do for me? How much time would it buy? No doubt the Doyles would be knocking on our door tomorrow to settle the deal. Could I put it off perhaps another day? Maybe even two? Cedric and Nicholas had become lost among the revelers, so I had no idea how that plan was developing. What had I just unofficially agreed to?
“Come,” said Warren. “At the very least, let’s have a celebratory dance—even if it’s only the two of us celebrating.”
There was no escape for me here. No allies. Only a sea of masked dancers, chattering and laughing about springtime and the renewal of life. I felt like darkness was closing in over me.
“Of course,” I said stiffly. “I’d love to.”
We danced for most of the rest of the night. A couple of bold suitors took a turn, but Warren moved in such a confident, almost proprietary way that most men simply steered clear of us. When Aiana told me our group was leaving, I barely even heard his words of farewell and promise to stop by tomorrow. I gave a polite nod and then rushed out to join the others. The night was fair and warm, and I needed air to think clearly. Before I could scarcely draw breath, I was led into a coach and then taken straight home to Wisteria Hollow.
I threw open the window when I reached my bedroom and sat there gulping in deep breaths, trying to steady myself. It wasn’t enough. That trapped feeling I’d had at the ball wouldn’t leave me. I needed to be out of this room, out of this house—out of this life. I felt like I had back in Osfro, locked in a glittering cage that so many admired, little knowing it was suffocating me. Not caring what trouble I got in, I left the room still in my gala clothes, pausing only then to realize Mira should have joined me. All the other girls were back in their rooms. I kept moving. Mira was out making her own choices, whatever they might be. I couldn’t fault her for that.
I headed down the hall to the small closet that led to the back staircase. I took it up to the attic level, nearly tripping over my long skirts in my haste. When I reached the landing, I flung open the window and was fully ready to climb down when a voice behind me said my name. I spun around and cringed when a masked figure stepped forward. Half a second later, just as he removed the mask, I realized it was Cedric.
“What are you doing?” he asked. “I was hoping to sneak into your room and talk, when I saw you go through this door.”
“I’m getting out. I have to think . . . I can’t think here. I can’t breathe here. I have to get out for a while. Somewhere. Anywhere but here.” I started to lift my foot up onto the window seat, and he grabbed hold of my arm, shutting the window behind me.
“Calm down. You can’t climb down that damned trellis in those shoes.” He urged me down to the window seat. “Sit, and tell me what’s wrong.”
I turned to him in amazement. “What’s wrong? How can you ask what’s wrong? Everything is wrong! I just more or less agreed to marry Warren Doyle tonight!”
“More or less?”
I found myself rambling, scarcely drawing breath. “His mother—Viola—she forced my hand. I couldn’t say no. All I could do was delay. Told them I would but that nothing was official until it had been settled here. Paperwork and all that. I don’t know what it bought me. Maybe a couple of days? But you know they’ll be vicious; they aren’t going to—”
“Okay, okay,” said Cedric, lacing his fingers through mine. “It’s okay. Nothing’s settled yet. They don’t have you, not yet. And you don’t need to stall a couple of days. You only need to stall until tomorrow morning.”
His words jolted me out of my near-hysterical state. “What do you mean?”
“Nicholas Adelton is willing—you must know that already after talking to him. The trick was making it legal, but I found a magistrate who’ll marry you tomorrow morning in a private ceremony. Most, knowing your involvement with the Glittering Court, wouldn’t have done it. He doesn’t care so long as you’re eighteen and a free citizen of Osfrid. I’ll draw up all the paperwork tonight, log the payment, and you’ll be married in the morning.”
I was dumbfounded. “In the morning.”
He squeezed my hands. “Yes. It’s going to create a lot of upset . . . to put it mildly. My father and Uncle Charles. The Doyles—especially if they’re clinging to this soft promise you made them. But we’ll have the law on our side. We’ll even have the Glittering Court’s technicalities on our side. No matter how much the others complain, they won’t be able to do anything about it.”
I had a feeling that “complaining” would be putting it mildly. “You’ll be lucky if your father lets you stay on and collect any commissions. Whether it’s enough for Westhaven will be irrelevant.”
“Let me worry about Westhaven,” Cedric said adamantly. He leaned into me, his presence steady and secure. “All you have to do is get to your wedding in the morning. I know it’s not the luxury arrangement you imagined, but he’ll be good to you. You’ll be safe.”
“I don’t need luxury.” My response came as fiercely as his. ?
??I can be a mistress of a modest household. I can be a charming companion on his arm at social gatherings. I can be his friend. I can go to his bed and—”
The words caught in my throat, and I couldn’t finish. Everything else I could do with Nicholas Adelton—but not that last one. Maybe I could have once—before Cedric—but not anymore. I couldn’t even give voice to it.
Cedric turned me so that I faced him and gently lifted the glittering mask off my face. I’d been in such a frenzy upon leaving the gala that I’d never noticed I was still wearing it. It had hidden the tears welling up in my eyes. He wiped them away and cupped my face in his hands, leaning close so that our foreheads touched. Gone was the satisfaction of his victory with Nicholas. Now there was only melancholy left—and a longing that matched my own.
“El—”
“Don’t.” I pressed a finger to his lips. “Don’t call me that. That’s not my name anymore. I’m Adelaide. This is my life now—the one that began the day I met you.”
He caught hold of my hand so that he could kiss each of my fingers. A tremor went through him, and he looked away. “You shouldn’t say that. Not when you’re getting married tomorrow.”
“Do you think that changes how I feel?” I reached out and turned his face back toward mine. “Do you think my being someone else’s wife will change anything? Don’t you know that I’d lie with you in the groves, under the light of the moon? That I’d defy the laws of gods and men for you?”
I couldn’t even say who started the kissing then. Maybe there was no true start. Maybe it was just a continuation of what we’d begun that night among the stars. Wrapped in his arms, wrapped in him, I couldn’t believe I’d somehow gone the last week without touching him. Really touching him—not those stolen brushes of fingertips and legs. I had danced with dozens of men in this month and never felt a flicker of what I felt when Cedric simply looked at me.
He shifted so that my back was pressed against the window, and I pulled him as close to me as I could. I undid the tie that held his hair back, releasing it around his face. He delicately ran his hands along where the dress exposed one shoulder and then brought his lips down to it. The heat of his mouth against my bare flesh undid me, and I arched my body against his. He pulled back abruptly, breathing ragged.