Chapter 17: Masque

"Excuse me, Miss? They said this was for you."

Lily turned from her knotted, bunched sampler, and was pleased to find a positive distraction.

It was nearly eleven in the morning and the Post had just come. It was a sunny mid-morning, and the natural light gleamed from behind Missy as she stood before her, a letter waiting patiently on a dainty silver platter.

To:

Lily Garnett --

I am excited to Cordially in-vite you and Chosen Guests to my next Birthdaye! It is to be a Masque, and the theme is Exotic birds. We shall dine on Mediterranean Cuisine and have wine & champagne all night! French and Italian dancing, of course. Do tell me of your Attendance and any Guests upon receiving this Notyce.

Very ex-cited!

Your Dearest Friend,

Katherine Wright

"Will!" She happily cried, nearly leaping into the Solarium a moment later.

"I've got the loveliest news!" She declared, throwing herself beside her brother on the lush chaise lounge, invitation in hand.

"Do tell." He playfully replied, leaning into his sister, grinning. He was relieved to see her this happy after her recent drama.

"Katherine invited me to a Masque for her birthday, and said I can bring guests. I insist you both join me!"

"I've never been to a Masque!" Will sat up from the mauve sofa, now intrigued. "But I've always wanted to go. What's the theme?"

"Exotic birds. I'm so excited!" Lily lounged back dramatically and looked to her brother with a mischievous smirk. "Mother and father wouldn't care for such a spectacle. They might not allow it."

"Allow what? Us having fun?" Will deadpanned with a sly smirk. Augustus couldn't help but laugh at his sardonic remark.

"Generally, yes. In this case, outlandish costumes, dancing, drinking all night."

The prospect sparkled before Will: the chance to act out in a bold, yet secretive way.

"Let's just go." He suggested with a mischievous smirk. "I don't even want to ask them. They might say yes but...I want to do something without asking at all."

"Rebel for its own sake? Fair enough." She added with a gleam in her usually soft brown eyes.

"You've heard the expression." Her brother replied, coyly raising his eyebrows. "It's better to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission."

~*~

That afternoon, Will chose a peacock as his costume. Lily selected to be a flamingo. But Augustus wasn't sure if he'd even go. He was very happy he'd been invited, but still worried. As little as he fit in on a normal day in the lavish countryside, being at a fancy party with so many high-class people made him hesitant, even if they were his age.

Will assured him that the idea of a masque is that no one knows who anyone really is, the anonymity being the perfect scenario to relax and be themselves. This was a rare chance for self-expression, a chance Will simply didn't want to turn down.

Augustus soon agreed, and Will promised they'd find a suitable toned-down costume for him. They eventually chose a swan.

"They are quiet, dignified creatures known for their beauty. And if you can't think of anything to say, I'll tell them your breed is a mute swan."

Augustus smiled in appreciation, finally admitting to himself, yes, this was going to be fun.

~*~

"What's all this?" Francis asked three days later in a puzzled tone. He walked up to a small table in the living room which currently held a neat line of peacock feathers Will had just bought. Their seamstress Amy sat next to him at the table, showing Will how the very first feather laid on the blue vest he'd recently ordered.

"I'm...studying exotic animals this week." Will quickly pulled the vest out of his father's sight, not wanting any suspicion. He picked up a feather, pretending to inspect it for its own sake.

"Studying something so feminine as a fancy peacock." Francis complained, as he lounged on a nearby chair, brandy in hand.

Will enjoyed this chance to call out his father's ignorance. He looked up from the desk and glared at Francis as he pointedly corrected him.

"A rather strange thing to say, given that the male peafowl are actually the ones with the extravagant feathers." He said, waving his hands dramatically to mock his father's sentiment.

As Francis rolled his eyes, Augustus couldn't help but grin at Will's small triumph.

~*~

That Saturday, it was quarter past nine when the trio had quietly snuck out to their carriage waiting at the other end of the drive, their more ostentatious accessories hidden. It was a breezy, warm night. The sun had just set, and the twilight sky sparkled above them.

"Can you believe we actually made it?" Will quipped to Augustus, positively giddy. As they approached, Will's excitement for this rebellion peaked when he pulled out his coin purse and gave their usual coachman Leonard an extra tip for his help and silence. The jingling of his coins rang out a small celebration of their freedom.

As the three of them rode along, they chatted about what they were each looking forward to.

"I haven't seen Katherine in ages!" Lily said happily, now donning her mask, smoothing out the pink feathers. "She insisted on having a masque for her next birthday."

"Will I at least know some of the people there?" Will asked, buttoning his vest. He suddenly remembered he'd only met Katherine once or twice.

Lily nodded. "We have enough friends in common, I'm sure."

"Eating a Mediterranean meal sounds...exotic." Augustus said, holding his white, delicate mask in his lap. He still didn't think he'd fit in.

"Is that all right?" He leaned over to softly ask Will, insecure. "Did that sound like I don't know about..."

"You're fine. I've never had Mediterranean food. We've never even travelled out of the country before." Will said, reaching ever-so-slightly to hold his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

~*~

They excitedly arrived in time for the merriment to begin.

As they approached, they all marveled at the high ceilings, fancy furniture and remarkable décor. Pink table runners spanned each long table which lined the sides of the Grand Hall for their meal, with plenty of space to dance in the center of the room. The usual silver candle holders were adorned with yellow, red, green and blue ribbons. They all twinkled pleasantly with the fiery glow, and made a lovely setting for all the guests in their extravagant outfits.

Light orchestral music pleasantly floated around as dozens of well-dressed teenagers filled the room in bright costumes. Everywhere they looked, something caught their eyes.

A girl dressed as an ostrich walked by, with large white feathers in her hair that slowly drifted as she passed. A boy wore a faux parrot beak as a headpiece and his matching cape was full of red, green, blue and gold feathers.

Each costume was more fantastical than the last, with a brilliant array of feathers, beading, faux beaks, colourful breeches and dresses. With some masks held in hand and others tied directly onto the wearer, there was a way to recognise others, if so desired.

Topping it all off, a sea of waiters mixed through the crowd, offering wine, champagne, fresh fruit, and tiny cakes.

Lily rushed up to the guest of honor, her brother and Augustus in tow.

"Happy birthday, darling!" She cried, flinging her arms around Katherine.

The girl of the hour simply sparkled!

She wore a shimmering silver dress with a fuschia neckline and long rows of feathers outlining her gown. She sported a masque of delicate feathers with a matching silver tiara. She was dainty and energetic.

"Oh, you're a hummingbird, aren't you?" She asked, arm casually around the waist of the other girl. "Glorious, darling!"

"Thank you!" She gushed with a confident grin. "I haven't seen you in so long! Very glad you've made it. That pink looks stunning on you!"

Lily just giggled, and kissed her cheek.

"Happy birthday." Will said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You look lovely." Augustus nodded in agreement.

"Thank you Will." She replied with a relaxed smile. She gave him a small, friendly hug.

He nodded politely and walked off.

As Will and Augustus slowly made their way through the room, Will took two small cakes and handed one to Augustus. The cake was soft, with just a hint of almond. The powdered sugar was so good he licked his lips without thinking.

Will looked up, spotted one of his friends and pointed him out to Augustus: "That's one of my friends, Maurice. And the boy next to him is Alec. We've all been friends for a while. No harm in meeting them, right?"

Augustus swallowed nervously. His mouth had gone dry from the cake.

"No, of course not." He agreed, sounding rather parched.

As Will approached Maurice, he recalled: he had to act casually with Augustus.

Will tapped his shoulder and they soon met short blonde hair and hazel eyes.

"Will!" Maurice broke into a smile and gave him a quick hug. "Been some time since I've seen you!"

"And too long since I've seen you." He replied with a grin. "Have you met Augustus before?"

"I don't think I have." He looked curiously at him.

"This is Augustus. He's my...swan for the evening."

"Hi...um," Augustus nearly stammered as he put his hand out. "It's lovely to meet you."

"You as well." He offered with a warm smile as they shook hands. "You make an exquisite swan." His earnest attitude melted his anxiety away.

"Thank you; I wanted something..." He paused.

"Subtle." Will interjected, handing him a glass of wine, casually draping his arm around his shoulder.

"Yes, subtle." He smiled at Will, taking the glass.

Across the room, Lily approached a table with a crystalline punch bowl and heard an unfamiliar voice:

"Are you a flamingo?"

She turned around to see a boy with bright blue eyes and a mask with silver feathers. He was so good-looking she almost dropped the ladle.

"Ye-yes, I am." She stammered, her face almost as pink as her feathers.

"I'm George." He confidently said as she stood motionless, hardly able to speak.

She turned to set down the ladle and have a moment to compose herself.

"Lily." She replied with a quick handshake, smiling nervously.

"You make quite the flamingo." He said, lightly touching a pink feather adorning her chestnut hair. His attention felt energizing. "How delightful."

"What are you?" She asked, confidence slowly rising as she sipped her punch.

"A finch." He stood back slightly to show off his silver breeches and brown cape.

"I like it." was all she could think to say.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked with a coy smile.

She paused, blushing. But she saw the look in his eyes and decided to branch out.

"I'd love to."

She gulped down her punch, trying to steady herself. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

She had practiced dancing a few times, but felt nervous being so close to him as they went on. They held hands and twirled around each other. Once a new song started, she was relieved when they joined a group dance with changing partners. But she could still see the glint of his bright eyes, and no matter how many times they charged partners, his gaze was always on her.

~*~

Soon after, everyone was treated to the newest and finest Mediterranean offerings.

They began with appetizers of imported fresh fruits: figs, red and green grapes, and dates, to match the exotic theme. Their first course was a salad with grape leaves, spinach, artichokes, feta cheese, olive oil and red wine vinegar. They were then treated to fasolada, a Greek white bean soup.

They drank red wine with a main course of braised lamb chops cooked with spearmint sauce, black olives and feta cheese.

The birthday cake was accompanied with a brand-new treat from Italy: ice cream.

After dinner, drinking and dancing still progressed. Once he finished his third glass of wine, Will turned his attention to Augustus and spoke with teasing intent.

"Enjoying everything?"

Augustus noticed Will's tone of voice and looked over. "I'm relaxing a bit, yes."

After he finished his fourth flute of champagne, Augustus demurely made eyes at Will and set down his glass.

Looking around to ensure few people were currently noticing them, he quietly led Will to a small room off of the Grand Hall everyone had gathered in.

"So..." Augustus said, clasping Will's hands into his own, pulling him back, further and further away from the crowd. He was thrilled to be alone together.

"Why do peacocks have those extravagant feathers again?" He asked Will demurely, already knowing the answer.

"Well, they fan them out," Will explained, readjusting Augustus's collar for him, "and show off to attract a mate."

"Oh, really?" He teased.

"Yes..."

Augustus smiled coyly, grasping Will's hips to pull him closer.

"I think they're working." He murmured, grazing Will's neck with his lips.

He realised Will was right. This was the perfect place where they could secretly be themselves!

"Ohh," Will teased, pulling his mask off. Augustus did as well. They were both excited and somewhat drunk, totally alone for the first time all night! They kissed, fervidly.

Despite his current distraction, Will could hear beautiful music beginning at the party. It swirled perfectly in the background. The girls and boys in the Hall were all lined up for a group dance.

As the music flourished, the girls were leaping, and then falling gracefully into the boys arms, almost as if they took flight to match their costumes.

After a moment of their kisses, Will wriggled away from Augustus's clasp and darted off for no other reason than just to tease him. Augustus dashed after him in pursuit.

He caught up and grabbed him. In their excitement, they almost crashed into an unused dining table. Will

scrambled to unbutton his vest, not caring for rules, decorum or society.

Seeking a more comfortable arrangement a moment later, Augustus playfully shoved Will onto a nearby couch. He looked down at him with his heart racing, and he felt so content, so enamored, so...free.

As the music went on, the dance changed. One boy-girl couple danced down an aisle in the middle, everyone switching partners after each turn. Beautiful costumes in every colour were whizzing by.

But Will and Augustus were wrapped up in a hazy, ecstatic blur of playful kisses and tight caresses. No one else was there and nothing mattered but each other. Augustus keep digging his hips into Will's just to tease him

Minutes later they ceased, catching their breaths. They smiled again as Augustus helped Will sit up. He was a bit dizzy, but now properly satisfied, he was ready to rejoin the party.

They rose from the couch together, still holding each other, Will demurely kissing him. His vest laid on the edge of the couch when it had been hastily thrown.

Just then, a girl in a beautiful Violet Starling costume rushed into the room. The boys immediately parted, lest she notice anything.

She was not so beautiful right now, however, as she bent over a potted plant, dropping her mask and gagging as she threw up the wine she'd been drinking. Will darted over and held her hair back. She finally stopped.

As she leaned up to to turn and thank Will, he recognised her, shocked. It was Sarah.

"Will," She weakly croaked; confusion mixed with a bit of shame. "I didn't know you'd be here." She retrieved a small handkerchief to wipe her mouth, embarrassed.

"Katharine invited Lily and then she invited us." Will explained, smoothing out the feathers of her mask.

"Oh, please don't tell anyone I'm here." Her voice waived in a desperate plea. She pushed her hair back, trying to recompose as quickly and gracefully as possible.

"Nobody knows we're here either." He paused, looking down at her mask, adorned with cream and dark blue feathers. "Have you met Augustus?" He asked, handing her mask back.

"I've heard you mention him, but no, I haven't." She shook her head and turned.

"Well," He looked over proudly at him. "This is Augustus."

"Happy to meet you." Augustus started. "I've heard a lot of good things about you." He politely shook her hand. "What a stunning dress." He cooed. "Where did you get it?"

"My seamstress made it for me!" She exclaimed, with a flourish of her feather detailing. "I helped design it, actually."

"Well, I'm sorry I'm such a mess. I can't hold my wine very well."

"Don't worry." He smiled, shaking his head. "I never saw a thing."

"Thank you." She fluttered sweetly. She paused.

Suddenly, something hit her. Something was...off.

Why did Will look at Augustus and not her when he introduced them?

She stood back for a moment, watching the boys. Will shrugged on his vest and handed Augustus his mask. Why was it off in the first place? Augustus was slightly flushed and out of breath. Will's shift was wrinkled and he hastily readjusted his breeches.

Despite being moderately drunk, she put the pieces together. At the very least, they'd been kissing. Her eyes widened.

Was this why Will hadn't flirted back? He liked a boy?! That didn't make sense, and it was obviously wrong.

But she chose to keep her observations to herself.

"Shall we return?" She asked with a bright smile.

"I'd be happy to escort you." Will suggested, linking arms with Sarah.

The trio sat together in a few chairs on the outer edges of the dance floor. Sarah leaned back, and took up a different drink in hopes it would agree with her.

"Feeling better now?" Will asked, closely observing her as she sipped slowly, lest she get sick again.

"Yes, I hold Champagne better, thank you." She smiled at him leaning back in her chair. "Do you know why I like champagne?" She leaned into him.

"Why's that?" He asked, not used to seeing her like this.

"The bubbles, because they make me laugh." She cutely fluttered in a tipsy giggle, dipping her head back.

Will chuckled back at her. He then looked over and noticed a boy he didn't recognise cozying up to Lily. An arm around her waist, leaning into her as she laughed at something he'd just said. She had clearly been enjoying her evening.

A moment later she dashed up to the three of them, catching her breath. "This party is splendid! I've had such a lovely time! Sarah, I didn't know you were here."

"And who was that?!" Will teased his sister, leaning in to her.

"I made a new friend tonight, thank you very much." She lightly pushed Will away, grinning. "But I..." she slowed down, her smile faded and she felt a sudden warm, sleepy feeling wash over her, the drinking catching up with her. "I may have overindulged a little. It's after 3AM now. Maybe we should go? I've just got to say good-bye."

Will looked over at Augustus who sat quietly, his eyes closing now and again, energy now drained.

"I think we're ready." He got up and put a hand on Augustus's shoulder to alert him as Lily returned to the guest of honor.

"Katherine? I've got to go, but this was so brilliant! I've had a lovely time, darling."

"I'm just glad I spent it with you." She cooed, hugging her lightly.

Lily began to walk toward the door Will was approaching to follow him home.

"Leaving so soon?"

Lily turned around. "Oh, George, There you are! Yes, we're leaving."

"I'll miss you." He drawled with a twinkle resurfacing in his eyes.

"You--" Lily was flustered, shaking her head. "You just met me."

"Can't I miss a beautiful girl?" He asked with a charming timbre.

Lily just laughed nervously.

"Well, goodbye. For now." She turned away.

"Lily? You forgot something."

She turned around and saw him holding her diaphanous pink shawl.

"Thank you." She replied, wrapping it gently around her shoulders. She stared to turn away again.

"Lily?" He repeated.

She turned back once more.

He slid a hand onto her face, staring into her eyes. He took a deep breath and bent down slightly to kiss her.

His lips were soft and sweet. She kissed back, blissfully letting her emotions take the lead.

They pulled apart without either of them saying a single word. She turned off, blushing and grinning wildly.

Her smile faded and her eyes went wide as the impact hit her. She slowly walked off, in a complete daze.

Outside, their carriage had pulled up and the trio made their way inside to head home.

"Well," Will teased his sister as he situated himself next to Augustus. "Your 'new friend' seemed rather smitten with you."

"Just a friend." She repeated, lightly smacking him with her fan. "But where were you earlier? I couldn't find either of you after dinner; I was going to invite you to the group dance."

"We--uh," Will faltered for a moment, then looked over at Augustus, who jumped in:

"We were looking for Sarah. We saw her earlier and she got sick, we wanted to make sure she was all right."

"Oh, well that's good. I really do like her. Not to pressure you, Will, but I'd really like having her as a sister."

"Don't worry; I love spending time with her." Will assured Lily with a nod that at least seemed convincing.

"Good! Ah, I am so glad we did this!" She threw herself back onto her seat, happily exhausted.

They got home around 4:30 AM with the moon still out but slipping away, and the sky was slowly turning to a pale grey.

They were all still a bit tipsy, but they slowly made their way into the house, hoping to make no noise, lest they wake a servant or their parents.

All three were successful in doing so, and eagerly greeted their beds, fully satisfied with their outlandish excursion.

~*~

Meanwhile, Sarah had much more dynamic experiences as she came home.

"James!" She almost yelled, not remotely sober yet. She'd had more champagne before she left. "I was just thinking about you." She flirted, grinning wildly at him.

"Were you," He politely replied, helping her out of her carriage. She'd requested his service that night to ensure her parents didn't discover her secret outing. And she had chosen him on purpose; she wanted to spend time with him alone, even for a few minutes. However, she didn't plan on being this drunk.

"Yes," She wobbled towards him. "Y-you're...amazing."

"I'm sorry?" He asked with a polite smile, genuinely befuddled.

"Oh, I've fancied you for such a long time!" She gushed, leaning heavily on him.

He held her straight at her shoulders. "Have....you been drinking?" He tried to remain serious, but he chucked despite his best efforts.

"Perhaps I have...but I order you to not tell my parents. Will you do that for me?" She asked, holding her head to one side.

"Since it's an order...I will."

"Good! Also, can you not tell them about..." She pulled him closer, and sensually kissed him. Her sweet,

warm lips were delightfully inescapable. Against his better judgement, James lingered on her sweet lips, even enjoying the taste of champagne.

Like Sarah herself, it was classy, effervescent, and...something he wasn't allowed to have. Something he probably didn't deserve. Remembering his place, he pulled away quickly, blushing.

"Um," He breathed heavily, averting her eyes. "How much did you drink tonight?"

"Just....a lot. Oh, are you cross with me now?!" Panic struck her voice.

"No, no," He regained eye contact and held her face, desperate to reassure her. "You're fine, you're fine," he repeated to ease her.

Before he could stop himself, their lips met once more, even sweeter than their first time. He didn't mean to, It was just an automatic reaction. He quickly pulled back once again. He barely held eye contact as he took her arm in his to lead her inside. He couldn't risk any more unapproved contact with her.

He desperately tried to resume typical conversation: "Come along, we can't have you tripping up the stairs in that dress, now can we?" She smiled dreamily at him, but then paused, growing dizzy. He stopped. She turned and threw up on the lawn, though not as much as before.

"I'm sorry." She hazily mumbled. She wiped her mouth with her handkerchief, embarrassed. "I must look awful."

"You look gorgeous, actually." James almost whispered. He didn't dare look at her again. That comment alone was inappropriate enough that he could lose his place and have to leave immediately if anyone else heard it.

In equal parts, James desperately hoped she had heard him and would remember it the next day, and desperately hoped she hadn't, and would forget it entirely.

Thinking quickly, he enlisted one of her female attendants to help her up the stairs safely and get to bed.

They bid each other goodnight, and he quickly walked downstairs, still reeling from the reality of her romantic confession. It all hit him: the riding lessons...the constant attention...the way she looked at him.

If his reaction tonight was instinct, he had to change how he acted before either of them suffered consequences. And considering her parents arrangements with Will's parents, she wasn't exactly available.

Even if she were single, he still would not be allowed to be with her. He was employed by her parents, and this would be completely inappropriate. He came to the dismal realization that even if he served someone else's family, it would still be seen as wrong as he would likely remain lower-class. No matter what, being an item was unacceptable. It could ruin her reputation, or even mar her father's prestigious image. He knew she loved her parents and wouldn't want to displease them.

He knew that this wasn't over.

~*~

Hangovers were plentiful as the next day dawned.

"What time is it?" Augustus mumbled, sitting up in bed.

"Why are you screaming?" Will faintly replied, covering his eyes from the sun glaring over his face.

They all slowly rambled downstairs, and immediately out of Margaret's good graces.

"What in God's name happened to the three of you?!" Margaret demanded, slamming a tray of scones on the

table before the trio, making Will flinch. Augustus was next to him, leaning back in his chair, barely awake.

"It's after ten and you come down here looking like death warmed over!"

Lily piped up, taking the focus off of her brother. His mother already chided him enough.

"We visited a friend....all ate the same dinner." She lied, taking a scone. "I--I don't think they cooked it right."

She slurred, so dizzy she almost dropped her scone as she buttered it.

"Oh, very well then." Her mother huffed, in no mood for her daughter's contrived alibi. "Take some tea to settle your stomach. And be more careful at your next...dinner."

The second her back was turned, Will gave up and let his head smack down on the table and left it there. She slammed the door behind her.

She knew a hangover when she saw one. Or in this case, three.