Once Upon a Masquerade by Tamara Hughes Read Free Book Online

and… Her response to his question sank in. “The Endicotts? They’ve returned from Chicago already?”
    Miss Bailey stiffened and turned away. “No, they haven’t.”
    Her strong reaction to his innocent comment only fueled his interest. “You’re a guest at their home while they’re in Chicago?”
    Her hands clenched the folds of her skirt, her gaze glued to the floor. “My father’s letter must have arrived shortly after they left. When I got here, they were already gone.” With a frown, she explained, “Luckily, one of their staff had been left responsible for forwarding correspondence and was aware of my pending arrival.”
    For some reason, it struck him that she’d only referred to her own arrival. “You traveled alone?”
    She backed away, her face ashen. “Of course not. I came with my brother, Stephen, and my lady’s maid.”
    “You and your brother are staying at the Endicotts’ home until they return?” he asked, puzzled by both her situation and her obvious unease.
    “No, my father left for business the same time I…we started our journey. He’ll be meeting us here once his negotiations are concluded. We need to stay until he arrives or there will be even more confusion.”
    A note of desperation raised the pitch of her voice, and she lifted a trembling hand to her forehead. “I’m afraid it’s getting late, and I’m dreadfully tired. Please excuse me. I must find my brother.” She hurried to the doorway but stopped short of stepping through. A flash of sadness and disappointment crossed her face when she glanced back. “Good night,” she said before she slipped away from him.
    “Good night,” he muttered. “Until we meet again.”

Chapter Four
    REBECCA HAD TOSSED AND turned all night long. Had her charade been a success? She wasn’t sure, although her meeting with Mr. Westerly today held promise. Still, it had been her memory of Christopher Black that kept her awake for most of the night.
    Stifling a yawn with a gloved hand, she walked up Fifth Avenue to Central Park, the air crisp and the sky dim. She’d blame the champagne for her foolish decision to dine with him, but it would be lie. She’d been drawn to him from the first. He’d been devilishly handsome as a rakish pirate and more charming than she’d imagined in her dreams. And after her initial nervousness, she’d truly enjoyed herself. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in such high spirits. He’d been attentive, obviously loved and respected his parents, had a passion for sailing…and his kisses…
    Touching a fingertip to her lips, she could still feel his firm mouth against hers, his strong body holding her close. He’d overwhelmed her senses, turning her mind to mush. What other reason could there be for her stupidity? She never should have mentioned the Endicott household. And the lies. Dear Lord, how many had she told him? She nearly groaned at the memory. What else could she have done? He was an intelligent man, an inquisitive man, and she had no doubt he would eventually remember her as the maid who scalded his lap. She would avoid him from this point forward.
    The bleak overcast sky matched her dreary mood. Maybe this was for the best. She would put thoughts of Christopher Black behind her and concentrate more fully on her goal. Her father needed her, and she would do what had to be done, because as the dutiful daughter, she always did what had to be done.
    The plumed hat she clutched in one hand and her mother’s most fashionable walking dress were safely hidden beneath a borrowed black cloak. While strolling about the city unchaperoned was acceptable as a servant, for a respectable lady it could be considered quite scandalous.
    Heading to her favorite spot, she descended the steps to the Bethesda Fountain and the life-size bronze statue, the Angel of the Waters. She inhaled deeply to ease the tension in her shoulders. Staring up at the angel, she pulled the silver locket her mother had