NICOLE CERTAINLY FELT like Cinderella, especially now that midnight was nearly upon them. Knowing her relatives, they would want to leave after the Reynolds’ guests finally unveiled themselves. So, in essence, Cinderella’s fairytale night of being with a handsome prince who kissed her until she nearly swooned would come to an end. Soon there would be another assignment for her family, and she would have to leave Meols, anyway.
Having any kind of relationship with Mr. Ashton Lee was out of the question, and the thought nearly crushed her. A night like this evening had never happened, but it had made her realize how much she wanted a man in her life...a man she could fall in love with, marry, and have children with. True, the man of her dreams might not be Ashton Lee, but she wanted to get to know him to make sure of it first.
After saying the words about wanting to feel special, she wished she could retract them. She especially shouldn’t have told him she liked being rescued. He had looked at her with such a shocked expression, and she didn’t want him to start asking question that she couldn’t answer.
“Forgive me for speaking my mind, Mr. Lee,” she said quickly. “That is one of my worst faults, I’m afraid. I suppose it comes from having only a father and an older brother to raise me.”
Shaking his head, he stroked her hand resting on his arm. “No need to ask forgiveness. I enjoy hearing what is on your mind. After all, I can only read your thoughts on rare occasions.”
She laughed. She loved how he always seemed to put her at ease.
“However,” he added, “I wonder why you don’t think of yourself as special. From the moment I caught you falling off the stairs, I knew that you were indeed, a very special woman.”
“Oh, Mr. Lee, you are so kind with your words. I assure you, I’m just like any other ordinary woman you have met. Believe me, tonight I’m only dressed this way because of my costume. If we were to meet on the street tomorrow, you would not know me from the next woman.”
“I don’t believe you, Miss Bastian.”
He stopped their progress as they arrived at the double doors into the house. The light shone on him a little more, and she couldn’t believe how incredibly handsome he was. His eyes appeared hazel, and they held her captive. There was a small dimple in his right cheek that flashed at her when he smiled.
She chuckled again. “We shall see once we meet up again.”
“If you promise to venture into town tomorrow, I shall make it a point to be there. I assure you, I will recognize you immediately.”
Her heart flipped. He had been making her body react this way since they first met. “Then I shall come into town tomorrow just to see if you have kept your promise.”
“Splendid.” He nodded toward the door. “Will you allow me to accompany you inside?”
Sighing heavily, she shook her head. “You had better not. My aunt and uncle already had the vapors that I danced the first two dances with you, and that you caught me from falling down the steps.”
He frowned. “I understand.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Until later, my lovely Miss Bastian.”
As Nicole walked into the house, her heart was light and matched her spirits completely. Mr. Lee had been such a gentleman, even though he did take her into his arms and kiss her. Tonight had been such a magical night. First with the discovery of Reynolds’ journal, to finding her own Prince Charming.
If only things would continue to be so carefree and pleasant in the days ahead, but she knew better than to dream this way. Tonight would be good enough, she was certain.
“Oh, there you are.” Emily ran up to Nicole and clasped her arm. “Mother and Father were looking for you. It is time to remove our masks, and they want you with us when we do.”
“Of course, dear cousin. I was outside getting some fresh air. The room was just too stuffy to stay inside another minute.”
“Yes, it is very stuffy in here.” Emily nodded, her curls bouncing in rhythm. “Thankfully, the night is nearly over. I’ll admit, I shall be happy to return home.”
“Why?” Nicole frowned. “Aren’t you enjoying yourself this evening?”
Her cousin shrugged. “Not entirely. At first, I was. Once the dancing started, I had seven men sign my dance card, but as the night wore on, men stopped coming around.” She pouted. “I guess I’m not as lovely as other women, and I’m sure this gown didn’t make matters any better.” She picked at the fluffy skirt. “Serves me right for wearing a gown my mother picked out.”
“Nonsense, Emily.” Nicole hooked her arm with her cousin and walked toward Aunt Anita. “You look beautiful in pink.”
“But I fear the color makes me appear younger than my true age. The men I danced with talked to me as if I were still in the schoolroom.”
“Well, I’m sure that when they see you without your mask, they shall know what a mature woman you really are.”
“I truly hope so.”
When Nicole reached her aunt and uncle, Lord Reynolds clicked his champagne glass to get everyone’s attention. He announced it was time to take off the masks. Within moments, all the masks were removed, and loud chatter filled the room as people moved about, seeing who was behind everyone’s mask.
Many men came up to Nicole and made introductions. She smiled politely, but she wasn’t interested in what they had to say. There was only one man she wanted to see, and she frantically searched for him. As each minute passed and she hadn’t spotted him, her heart sank, hoping he hadn’t left the party already. Although he had removed his mask outside, she couldn’t see him very well. Now, in the lighted ballroom, she wanted to see what he really looked like.
Finally, his flamboyant prince’s coat grabbed her attention, and her gaze flew to his face. His attention was aimed right at her. He smiled wide, and a dimple on his right cheek flashed.
