The Masquerade by Brenda Joyce Read Free Book Online Page A

breathe.”
    Lizzie halted in her tracks. “Do you think she is ill?”
    “She claimed a mere shortness of breath and some dizziness. But I am worried. I wish she would rest a bit more.”
    Lizzie was alarmed. “We will make her rest,” she decided.
    Georgie suddenly seized her hand and, her tone teasing, said, “Isn’t that Sean O’Neill, the earl’s stepson whom Mama wishes you to meet?”
    Lizzie followed her gaze and recognized the tall, dark-haired young man instantly. He was conversing with another gentleman very seriously, costumed as a knight. “I am certainly not marching over there and introducing myself to him!”
    “Why ever not? He is quite the catch, I should think—and more in our league, as he isn’t titled.”
    Lizzie scowled, wondering why Georgie was provoking her. “I wonder where Tyrell is.” She scanned the crowd a second time, quite certain he was not present. Even speaking his name caused her heart to skip wildlyin a combination of excitement and anxiety. “Let’s go into the ballroom,” she said.
    But Georgie suddenly tugged her hand, forcing her to halt. “I also worry about you.”
    Lizzie froze. “Georgie,” she began.
    “No. It is amusing to dress up tonight in the hopes of trying to impress him after what transpired in town, but the truth is, this infatuation has gone on for far too long. How will you ever give another man a chance when you feel as you claim to?”
    Lizzie folded her arms defensively over her chest. “I do not claim anything. I cannot help my feelings. Besides, I meant what I said the other day—my fate is spinsterhood.”
    “I doubt that! Is it at all possible that you think you love him so you will never have to find the courage to face a real suitor?”
    Lizzie gasped. “No,” she said, “I really love him, Georgie. I always have and I always will. I am not interested in finding someone else.”
    “But he is not for you.”
    “Which is why I shall grow old alone, taking care of Mama and Papa. Let’s go into the ballroom.” She did not want to discuss this any further.
    But Georgie was determined. “I am afraid that you hide behind your love for him, just as you hide in your novels. There is a real world out there, Lizzie, and I so wish you would be a part of it.”
    “I am a part of it,” Lizzie said, shaken. “As much as you are.”
    “I don’t read a dozen romance novels every month. I do not claim to be in love with a man I can never have.”
    “No, you bury yourself in political essays and articles! You are the one who almost refused to come to this ball,” Lizzie accused.
    “I only refused because I knew that there is no one here for me,” Georgie snapped, as flushed as Lizzie now. “I know that one day I will have to accept one of Mama’s suitors, as I have no means of supporting myself in the future otherwise. Sometimes I pretend to myself that is not so, but we both know it is—just as one day you will have to wed, as well, and it won’t be Tyrell de Warenne.”
    “I cannot believe you are talking like this,” Lizzie cried. A part of her ached for Georgie and was afraid for her, but she was also dismayed and even angry.
    Georgie had calmed. “If Mama is ill from the burden she bears in caring for us, I may accept Mr. Harold. He seems the most interested in me, and I do not think his demands will be too harsh.”
    Lizzie felt herself pale. “But he is old—he is fat—he is bald—he sells wine!”
    “I hardly expect a dashing buck like Cliff de Warenne,” she said with a rueful smile.
    “Oh, please, do not even think of marrying that…that toad!” Lizzie wanted to cry. “Let’s try to find you a better prospect—right now! There are so many handsome young men present.”
    Georgie rolled her eyes. “And no one is going to look twice at me.”
    “You are wrong,” Lizzie flashed. “You are very elegant tonight.”
    Georgie shrugged. The ballroom was adjacent the reception hall and could be entered directly from