Chapter 17
Kitty
Later that afternoon, Delilah and I found ourselves back on the streets of London, hoping for a quicker lead than the ball might give us.
Delilah: What if he's not at the party?
Kitty: He has to be! Any sign of him?
Delilah: Nope. Not even someone who looks like him. This was clearly a bad idea.
Kitty: Hey, don't be discouraged! Perhaps we should just go back to the inn. We'll have to have time to get ready for this masquerade ball after all.
Delilah: I suppose you are right. If anything we can come back again if we don't find him tonight.
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Gerard: Oh good, you're both back. We are all ready but we left the rest of the options for you both.
Delilah: Thank you, Gerard. If you three will get you, Kitty and I will get ready.
Delilah went over to the other side of the room to change while I looked at my options. I opted for the green fairy outfit, because I looked good in it.
We arrived at the masquerade, a manor house owned by…..Well, no one really knew.
Delilah: Who owns this place?
Gerard: That's the thing. It's apparently a mystery. The owner has never come out and openly admitted who he/she is. Many people have placed bets on it but no one has ever fessed up. And I doubt anyone ever does. Why ruin a good mystery? The magic would all be ruined then.
Emilia: Ooh, mysterious. I love a good mystery! Maybe we can figure out who owns it while we are here!
Kitty: And we're just going to go into his house? Are we sure this is a good idea?
Emilia: Lighten up, Kitty. It'll be fine. Cleary he can't be an awful man or no one would come to his parties!
Kitty: What sound logic. I'll remember that if something happens!
Angelica: We'd better get inside, the ball is well underway now.
We entered the ball to a vision of ladies and gentlemen dancing the night away. It was pretty crowded. So much so that it was incredibly uncomfortable upon arrival.
Angelica: I can barely move in here.
Gerard: Come on, Angie. Let's go get you something to drink.
Angelica: Alright.
I watched with a smirk as their pair left, before looking around the ballroom.
Emilia: I don't know how we're supposed to locate Lord Radcliffe here. I can barely see around the people in front of us. Not to mention everyone is in masks.
Kitty: I know it's not ideal, but right now it's all we've got. We need to find him.
Delilah: I think we need to look around as many places here in the ballroom as possible.
Kitty: But where should we look?
Emilia: Why don't you decide, Kitty?
Kitty: Why don't we try the right side of the ballroom now?
Emilia: Works for me.
We moved over to the right side of the room which was by far the busiest, with people coming and going.
Emilia: I wonder what he'd wear?
Kitty: No idea, I forgot to ask him when I saw him last.
Emilia: You are very sarcastic today.
Kitty: I just want to find him so we can rest easy.
Delilah: Let's ask around then? Excuse me, Miss?
I watched as she waved a woman over.
Pamela: Pardon?
Delilah: We were wondering if perhaps you've seen Lord Radcliffe here?
Pamela: A Lord who?
Delilah: Nevermind, thank you.
Pamela: You are welcome I suppose.
Kitty: Well, that was a bust.
Emilia: That was one person. Yoo-hoo, gent in red!
Captain Marks: Yes, my fair maiden?
I watched as my sister giggled behind her hand.
Emilia: We're looking for a Lord Radcliffe.
Captain Marks: Ah, lass, did he break your heart?
Emilia: Uh…
Captain Marks: Best to just move on, ay? He does it to all the pretty young things. You're not the first and you won't be the last.
Kitty: Glad to know his reputation is as blackened here too.
Captain Marks: And you are?
He turned his gaze towards me.
Delilah: His fiancée!
Captain Marks: He got engaged?!
Kitty: Shh...keep it down. Have you seen him or not?
Captain Marks: I have not, but I'll be giving him a piece of my mind the next time I do.
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Delilah: Where to next?
Kitty: I think we should explore the left side of the ballroom.
Delilah: Then let's go.
Emilia: Any luck over her so far?
Kitty: No luck at all. What if he's not even here?
Delilah: Like my brother would miss a chance to hide his face and woo women.
Kitty: Love that little piece of knowledge.
Delilah: Oh, don't worry. I'm sure he wouldn't try anything while the two of you are engaged!
Kitty: I wouldn't hold my breath.
Anna: Can I help you ladies?
Emilia: You might be able to. We're looking for Lord Radcliffe.
Anna: Ah, Dante. I'm afraid I haven't seen him. Which is odd, he's usually in London around this time. Ah, well, perhaps he's coming later in the year.
Delilah: Actually, he's been here over a month now.
Anna: Really? Well, that just won't do. I'll have to scold him when I see him for not visiting me. Name's Anna Pearson, by the way. Good day.
Delilah: Well that was a waste of time.
Kitty: Does your brother seriously know everyone in London?
Delilah: I mean, he has to know people for business…
Emilia: Very true!
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Delilah: The only place left is the back of the ballroom. Ready, ladies?
Emilia and Kitty: Ready!
Kitty: He's probably leaning against it trying to look more attractive.
Delilah: I'm sure he'll be glad to know you think he's attractive.
Kitty: You know what I meant.
Emilia: Do we?
Kitty: Lets just go. Surely he has to be here.
Emilia: I wouldn't go that far. It doesn't look like anyone is here.
I looked around, before sighing. She was right. This section of the ballroom had hardly anyone.
Delilah: Well, that was a disaster.
Kitty: I think that's enough searching for now.
Emilia: Well, what now?
Delilah: I guess we might as well enjoy the rest of the ball. Maybe we'll run into him that way?
Kitty: that might be the best idea, actually.
Delilah: Well, then, I'm going to go find some men to dance with.
Emilia: Ooh, I'm coming with!
And like that I was alone, in a crowd of complete strangers. Well, I assumed they were strangers. Suddenly, I was grabbed and dragged out of the ball room.
Kitty: Let go of me this instant! Do you know who I am?
Dante: My fiancée.
I froze as I heard the voice before reaching up and undoing the mask to reveal the stranger.
Dante: Hello, love.