“Alice, leave that corner and make friends. What's the matter with you tonight?” My mother, Lady Valenti, whispers in exasperation while smiling at passing guests at the masquerade ball of the season.
I roll my eyes at her and retreat further into the shadows by the grand staircase, nursing my drink. I rather enjoy being the wallflower at these occasions especially when I'm sort of forced to attend.
Her friend, Mrs Boleyn sweeps her away with some gossip.
I prepare myself to be bored, hence the hiding and the gulping of the deliciously sweet punch. Still, Lord and Lady Shepherd's ballroom glitters with lights and decorations like a box of jewels.
The orchestra plays with fervor while couples in fashionable silk gowns and fine suits spin gracefully across the dance flower. Jewels flash beneath the lights. It almost feels like a fantasy dream…or a dose of something unwelcome or unreal. I'm not sure.
Or perhaps it's the punch. The servants may have added something stronger than fruit juice. If so, good.
But my focus cut across a duchess dressed as a silver swan to settle on four suspicious men who quickly separate, mingling with the guests.
Their postures are stiff. They seem flighty in black suits and their masks were simple. Black velvet with no jewel or feathers on them. Why is no one else noticing them?
I lean more into my corner, watching their movement with fascination. Tonight's masquerade ball may yet prove the most dangerous ball of the season. Second to Lady Lee Reed's infamous gathering where the ballroom caught fire and injured some servants.
One of the men stands by the door while another lingers by the grand staircase. The other two drift through the crowd like a shadow.
I finish my punch and take a glass of champagne off a servant's passing tray. This night is proving far more exciting than I expected.
The guests laugh loudly behind their masks as their diamond necklaces, gold bracelets and valuables slip off their person without their notice. I'm awed, sipping the bubbling drink.
Then Mrs Drew and Lady Rueckert scream from across the dance floor, clutching their necks. “Heavens! My necklace! It's gone.”
Gasps fill the room as panic spreads. I placed my glass cup on the small table in the corner, ready to point out the four masked men.
My mother shows up out of nowhere and pulls my arm. “Ow! You'll give me a bruise.”
“Better a bruise than losing our heirloom. Let's go,” she gasps, pulling me along with her in long strides to the exit as the ball descends into chaos. “This gathering is ghastly. The nerve to steal from people. Lord and Lady Shepherd should be ashamed.”
I roll my eyes again, climbing into the carriage with her.
As the horses gallop away, I glance back at the estate. Those masked men certainly filled their coffers tonight.
I hope you enjoyed reading this short piece. It's inspired by the Freewrite #dailyprompt phrase "a dose of something unwelcome".
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Image credit: Hansuan_Fabregas