Jenny jumped. She had not even noticed the lady in the green dress approach.
“It will be red with gold ribbons,” Jenny replied.
The lady extended a slender hand and pointed to a golden mask outlined in red. “This would suit you well, then.”
Jenny took the mask by its stick and held it up to her face. “What do you think?” she asked Louisa.
Her friend nodded. “Yes, it suits you well.”
The lady smiled and selected one for herself. “I own several already, but since I’ve been seen in all of them at one time or another, I should purchase a new one. After all, if I’m meant to impress an earl, something new is required.”
Jenny’s heart skipped a beat, and she swallowed hard. “An earl?” she squeaked.
“Indeed,” the lady replied. “Lord Nicholas—you likely know him as Lord Dowding.” She shook her head. “Anyway, he and I are dear friends, and he’s hosting a masquerade ball soon.” She raised her brows. “Are you attending the same affair?”
A hundred thoughts roared through Jenny’s mind. Who was this beautiful woman? Why did she wish to impress Lord Dowding?
And why had Lord Dowding not mentioned her?
“Oh, no, I’m not attending a party,” Jenny said with a nervous laugh. “It’s for a… a play we’re performing at the school.”
“How wonderful,” the lady said with a small sigh. “Ah, to be a girl again.” She shook her head, and she and Mrs. Alton both laughed as if they were sharing in some secret joke. “I’ll take this mask, and one each of the silk mufflers. And do hurry. I have a two-hour journey home, and it looks as if the weather may change at any moment.”
As the two women moved away, Jenny considered what she had just heard. An uneasy feeling washed over her. This lady had no true interest in Lord Dowding. Not in the same way as Jenny. Yet given the informal manner she used when speaking of the earl, they were certainly well acquainted.
And he had made it seem as if he had no friends!
Of course, he would not mention her!she chastised herself silently. The lady is far more beautiful than you could ever hope to be. And she was of an age with the earl. Perhaps she was the true reason he had not invited her to the ball.
“Are you all right?” Louisa whispered. “You look as if you’ve taken ill.”
“I’m well,” Jenny whispered as she swallowed back bile.
“Is there anything else?” Mrs. Alton asked.
“I’ve changed my mind,” Jenny said, returning the black and red mask to the tray. She picked up a white one. “I’ll take this one instead. And I would like to purchase some blue feathers and several white paste jewels, as well.”
The last was a ruse. Jenny wanted complete anonymity, especially from this lady. Therefore, she would wear her yellow dress rather than the red.
Then Louisa chose a golden mask and a selection of dark blue feathers.
With their parcels in hand, she and Louisa walked outside, where Jenny stopped to glare in the direction the lady had taken. “It’s clear that hussy is after Lord Dowding’s wealth,” she said in a harsh whisper. “How am I to compete with the likes of her? She has far more to offer than I.”
Louisa frowned. “You’ve no reason to worry, Jenny. She may be a lady, but her face resembles a horse, and her breath stinks as bad as a stable hand’s boots!”
Jenny laughed. “You’re kind to say so, but I know better.” She sighed. “What am I to do about her? It’s clear she’s the reason he did not offer me an invitation to the ball. My plan of having him see me as more than a friend will never work if she is my competition. Oh, don’t look at me like that, Louisa. You can say all you want about her, but the truth is, she’s far more stunning than I could ever hope to be.”
Pursing her lips, Louisa said, “What you must do is simple, really. When Lord Dowding calls tomorrow, ask him who she is and watch his reaction. You can then plan your next steps from there. After all, just because she’s interested in his money does not mean he’s interested in her. If he found her more attractive and better suited for him, why would he bother to continue calling on you at all?”
Jenny considered this argument. “I suppose you’re right. I’ll explain our chance meeting and ask him outright. Being honest really is the best option.”
“That is what a lady does,” Louisa said, smiling. “Your forthright inquiry will not only better his opinion of you, but he’ll also realize that you’re the one for him. Not that beastly woman!”
Jenny laughed. She hoped her friend was right, for the mere thought of abandoning all hope with the earl left her with an empty feeling in her heart.
Chapter Eleven
Nicholas drummed his fingers on his knee as he waited inside the carriage outside the school. He was due to call on Miss Clifton, for he had something important to request of her.