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I smiled at her. “Now you sound like me. ”

With a little laugh, she shook her head. “If only. I am not the bright star you are. I do not shine as fiercely as you. I find it difficult to believe that you are the one who is dead. You are the one full of light. ”

Her words were startling, but also touching. Standing, I flung my arms about her, holding her close. “You are such a dear person, Magda. You are my light. ”

“Do not cry!”

How well she knows me! Already the tears were forming. She dabbed at the corners of my eyes with the silk handkerchief she plucked from my vanity.

“I won’t!”

“Do not ruin all my hard work. You look flushed with life and quite lovely. You shall be the fairest at the ball. ”

Tonight was the grand masked ball that Csilla was throwing in celebration of the change of the seasons. Once the winter came, social events would wane. The elite of Buda were abuzz with excitement at this one last grand affair before the harsh weather descended upon us.

Laura and I had conspired on our costumes and we were pleased with the results. My gown was a deep orange and adorned with silk leaves in shades of red and yellow. My mask was made of the same silk leaves. My hair was loose with silk flowers and gold wire wrapped about the curls. My necklace was gold with glittering rubies and matching earrings dangled from my ears. I was pleased with the effect. Laura’s costume nearly matched mine, save hers was a soft yellow and adorned with orange and brown leaves. We were sister goddesses of autumn and quite pleased with our attire. I could not wait to see her in her completed costume when she arrived later with her family.

“The last ball I attended here was fraught with drama and hidden intrigues. ” I pondered this as wrapped my lacy shawl about my shoulders. It perfectly matched my dress. “I would like for this one to be fun and frivolous. ”

“Do you believe that you will get your wish?” Magda smoothed out my skirt and straightened my petticoats that were heavily embroidered with gold thread.

“No. ” I laughed and twirled away from her. “I am certain something horrible will occur and I shall want to slay them all. But until that moment, I vow to enjoy my night. ”

Later-

A short while later I joi

ned the first of the guests in the ballroom. The small orchestra the baroness was patron of was already playing sweet music under the sparkling chandeliers. I scanned the costumed guests with some interest. I knew many now by name due to the baroness’ constant social engagements. It was difficult to discern who a few people were due to their ornate costumes, but I spotted Frida speaking with that gossiping witch, Borbála. Already they were casting venomous looks about and talking like conspirators.

“They’re a nasty pair, aren’t they?”

“Percy!” I turned and flung my arms about him.

He grinned behind his raven mask and clasped my hands warmly once I released him from my impulsive embrace. “You should have hidden your hair. I knew immediately who you are. ”

“I’m not really trying to deceive anyone,” I admitted. “I decided it is best to be out in the open where all can see I am above the gossip. ”

“It has been fairly cruel. ” He winced slightly. “Apparently, I do seem to be a part of it. ”

“You’re a handsome man and my husband has been away for a long time. It is only natural that tongues will wag about illicit affairs. Though for a time the gossip was about you and dear Laura. ”

Percy shook his head, his blond hair glimmering in the candlelight. He was dressed a bit plainly compared to other partygoers. His attire was completely black and raven feathers adorned his collar and shoulders. I rather liked the whole affect and his beautiful blue eyes shone behind his mask with a gentleness I had come to appreciate. “I regret that I gave false hope to Sir Stephan and his wife. I know Laura was aware that my interest was only as her friend, but her parents were incensed. I hear they have returned to their quest to marry her to that horrible Dietrich. ”

“Alas, that is true. Why can’t they let her be?” I sighed.

“Because they want her to be happy, and in their eyes, that entails her marrying and having security. ”

I scoffed at his words out of habit and he lightly tugged one of my curls to stop my scowl. I tucked my hand into the fold of his arm and smiled up at him. He reminded me so much of my father as he closed his hand over mine that it warmed my heart and lifted my spirits.

“Are you ready to have a lovely evening, Countess Dracula?”

“Why, yes I am!”

“Then let us go forth and give the gossips plenty to wag their tongues about. ”

Laughing, we walked into the depths of the crowd to mingle.

Despite my loathing of the woman, Csilla does throw the grandest parties I have ever attended. Chrysanthemums of every color overflowed ornate vases and swaths of fabric in the colors of fall were draped artistically around the pillars and over doorways. I was surprised to see potted trees lining the walls, their colorful leaves adding to the festive atmosphere. The Baroness strode through the party greeting people dressed as the Greek goddess Demeter. Her white gown and gold tiara were a lovely contrast to her dark hair and eyes. I found her dress to be a bit scandalous for it exposed her back and swooped daringly over her cleavage. But it is her nature to provoke and I saw her eyes glittering with delight.