“I just chose a gown and a mask,” she continued.
“I have noticed there aren’t many guests tonight wearing an actual costume.” He took a glance around the room. “Perhaps the Reynolds should have made it clearer in their invitation.”
“Oh, but because you wear a costume, you stand out more than the others,” Cinderella said with a hint of laughter in her voice. “So, tell me, Prince Charming, are you from this area?”
He stared into her mesmerizing eyes again, still wishing he knew if her eyes really sparkled or if it was the mask making them appear that way. “Actually, I’m not originally from Meols. I’m from Liverpool, but I have recently purchased a house here in Meols.”
“How long ago was your purchase?” the younger woman asked.
“Four months.”
“Then you are very new, sir,” Cinderella said with a light laugh. “Perhaps after we introduce ourselves, we will find we have never seen each other before.”
He noticed the music had ended, which meant another dance would soon follow. “In that case,” he offered his arm, “can I claim this next dance so that we can get to know each other?”
“I would be delighted.” She placed her white-gloved hand on his arm.
He couldn’t believe how regal he felt escorting the loveliest woman at the ball, out for a dance. Sly glances from other men turned his way, making him chuckle. He was certainly envied tonight.
The musicians began playing a faster dance, and his hopes sank. Although most women loved this style of dance, it wasn’t his favorite at all. He would rather have the woman in his arms while twirling with her around the room.
Her jovial expression grew as the dance progressed. He couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. The few times he was able to take her hands and twirl her, her sparkling gaze caught his notice. It was certainly not her mask.
The dance ended, and she hooked her hand over his arm as he started to escort her back to her friend, but when the fiddles began playing a slower dance, he stopped and looked into her eyes once more.
“Would it be too bold of me to ask for this dance even though I haven’t signed your dance card?” He arched an eyebrow.
“Probably just as daring if I were to accept.” She shrugged. “But I have no other signatures on my card.”
“Shall we be daring together?” He motioned with his head toward the other couples gathering on the floor.
“Indeed we shall.”
Once she was in his arms, allowing him to lead her around the floor in a smooth waltz, his heart picked up speed. Not only was she lovely, but she smelled like the flower he head been nearby when he first noticed her in Reynolds’ study. This woman entranced him, and if he wasn’t careful, he might become more involved with her than just wanting to discover her secret.
He wouldn’t judge Lord Reynolds poorly if, indeed, this woman was the man’s mistress. She was stunning and intriguing. But...what if Ashton was wrong? There was only one way to find out.
Slowly, he stroked her gloved fingers enfolded in his hand. He studied her more deeply than before as he scanned her face. “Tell me, my lovely, how long have you known Lord Reynolds?”
She shrugged. “Not long at all. I have only been introduced to him once. My aunt and uncle are better acquainted with the man. I was not given a personal invitation to tonight’s ball, but I came with my relatives.” She glanced toward the back of the room. “The woman you saw with me earlier is my cousin.”
He wished he could really see Cinderella’s eyes. Then he would know if she was lying. However, her voice didn’t sound as though she hid the truth. Her words flowed smoothly without hesitation.
“How about you?” she asked. “How do you know Lord Reynolds?”
Chuckling lightly, he reminded himself to thank Glynn and Steve for talking him into coming tonight. “Just like you, I came with friends. Although I have met Lord Reynolds a few times, I wasn’t close enough to him to merit a personal invitation.”
“I have heard Lord Reynolds is a very likable man. I’m sure your charming personality will bring you closer to being his friend.” She nodded.
“Perhaps, but I would rather be your friend.”
Tilting her head back, she laughed. The curve of her slender neck looked so smooth, and he had the sudden urge to stroke the skin with the pads of his thumbs. Thankfully, he fought the feeling, convincing himself that her alluring costume and her fascinating mask had enchanted him tonight. Once identities were revealed at midnight, he was certain she would be just as ordinary—and deceitful—as most women he had known.
And speaking of deceit... If she wasn’t Reynolds’ mistress, why was she sneaking around in his dark study? He had caught a glimpse of her while outside earlier, which left him perplexed.
“Oh, what a delightful man you are, Prince Charming.” Cinderella grinned wide.
“I’m trying very hard to accomplish that.” He winked. “Tell me something, my lovely. Since I saw you floating gracefully down the grand staircase earlier, I have wondered why you were coming from the upper floor. What were you doing up there if you don’t know the Reynolds?”
