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G eorgina did not have many gowns. She did not even own a red dress.

What had she been thinking when she had agreed to wear that particular shade for Adrian that night?

She should never have promised the earl she would, but her thoughts had been far too scattered after the kisses they had shared.

She found it inherently impossible to string anything remotely logical together in her mind. So she had readily agreed like a ninny.

“What is bothering you?” Jaclyn asked.

“It’s silly,” Georgina replied. She nibbled on her bottom lip. Should she tell Jaclyn her dilemma? She did not want to tell her about her clandestine meeting with Adrian. That was her secret, and she had no desire to share it. She wanted to keep it all to herself to savor in private moments.

“Tell me,” Jaclyn demanded. “Perhaps I may assist you with what is distressing you.”

There was a possibility that her friend could help her.

She was the daughter of a wealthy earl. Surely she had more gowns available than Georgina.

Her father, the Viscount of Greenville, did not believe in overspending for his daughter’s trousseau.

After careful consideration, Georgina decided to tell her friend about her gown dilemma.

She would not tell her why she wanted the red dress.

At least she hoped she would be able to keep that part to herself.

“It’s about the masquerade ball tonight.”

“I did not realize you wished to attend.” Jaclyn frowned. “We are all invited of course, but it does not seem like something you would enjoy.”

They were not required to attend any of the activities at the house party, and the masquerade ball in particular was not going to be attended by all of the students at Havenwood Academy.

In any other circumstance, Georgina would have declined the invitation.

She did not usually enjoy balls of any sort so it did not surprise her that Jaclyn believed she would remain at the school.

“I have decided that I need to stop avoiding things that make me uncomfortable.” Which was a great many things… “If I do not make a change, I will lead a lonely existence.”

“I suppose I can understand why you would not wish for that,” Jaclyn conceded. “So you do wish to attend the masquerade.” She tilted her head to the side. “What is troubling you?”

“I was looking over my gowns,” she said, then sighed. “None of them are suitable, and I do not have a mask.”

Jaclyn grinned. “I do believe I can assist you with this.” She held out her hand to Georgina. “Come, let’s look at my wardrobe. I have far too many gowns and as we are similar in form, they should not need too much altering to work for you.”

Georgina should have known that Jaclyn would help her.

She should never have doubted her friend.

They went over to the large wardrobe near Jaclyn’s side of the bedchamber.

They opened up the dark wood doors and peered inside.

Jaclyn did indeed have several gowns, and there was one that was a deep red silk.

Without thinking she reached out and brushed her fingers over the soft fabric.

“You like that one?” Jaclyn asked, then nodded. “It is bold. Definitely not something you would normally wear. I must say I approve.” She took the gown out of the wardrobe and held it out to her. “Now put it on so we can see where we need to make adjustments.”

Georgina blinked at her, startled at her readily agreeing to the gown she had been drawn to. She did not need to explain anything to Jaclyn. She was willing to help her, and it did not matter what Georgina’s reasons might be. It was lovely to have such a wonderful friend as she.

Georgina hesitated a moment before taking the gown from Jaclyn’s outstretched hands.

The silk felt decadent against her fingertips, smooth and cool like water slipping between her fingers.

She swallowed hard. A red dress—so daring, so unlike her.

But tonight, for Adrian, she would be someone else.

Someone bold. She would overcome her shyness.

She had to. If she had any hope of a future, she would need to be able to participate in societal functions.

“Go on,” Jaclyn urged her. “I want to see how it fits.” She gestured toward the dress that Georgina held in her hands, staring at it like a ninny.

With a nervous nod, Georgina stepped behind the privacy screen and carefully slipped into the gown. The fabric cascaded over her body like a whisper of temptation, molding to her curves in a way that felt both foreign and thrilling.

She reached for the laces at the back, but before she could fumble with them, Jaclyn appeared behind her and deftly pulled them tight.

“Let me help you with that,” Jaclyn told Georgina.

She stepped back after the laces were tied.

“Now turn for me so I can see how the gown looks.” Georgina did as Jaclyn instructed.

“You look exquisite,” Jaclyn said as she examined her carefully.

“Come out into the room and let me see how the gown fits you. I do not think we will have to do much to make sure it fits you properly.”

“All right,” she said. Georgina stepped out from behind the screen, her hands smoothing down the rich fabric.

Jaclyn’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. “You should wear red more often,” she declared. “It suits you.”

Georgina turned to face the floor-length mirror, and for a moment, she hardly recognized herself.

The deep crimson fabric accentuated the delicate ivory of her skin, lending her a vibrancy she had never possessed before.

The gown’s neckline was daring but not scandalous, the bodice perfectly fitted, the skirts flowing in elegant waves down to the floor.

“I look…” Georgina trailed off, unable to find the right words.

“Beautiful,” Jaclyn supplied. “And I daresay a certain gentleman will think so as well.”

Georgina’s cheeks flamed. “What do you mean?”

Jaclyn laughed, stepping forward to adjust the sleeves. “I may not know why you suddenly wish to attend a ball when you have explained, in depth, why you loathe them so. You would not go to such trouble unless there was a reason—or someone—motivating you.”

Georgina bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. Jaclyn did not press her further, only giving her an amused, knowing look before moving to her wardrobe once more. “As to the mask you need… I do believe I can help you with that as well.”

“You can?” How was that even possible? Why would Jaclyn have a mask available? It was not as if they attended masquerade balls often at school.

“I have a great many things I probably should not have,” Jaclyn mused, rifling through a velvet-lined box. After a moment, she held up a delicate creation of black lace and crimson ribbon. “This should do.”

Georgina took the mask, running her fingers over the intricate details. It was elegant, mysterious—a perfect complement to the gown. She tied it in place, adjusting the ribbons so that it sat comfortably against her face.

Jaclyn stepped back and clapped her hands together. “You look absolutely ravishing. No one will recognize you.”

That was precisely what Georgina wanted.

To step into another life for just one evening.

To be someone different, someone daring, someone Adrian could not look away from.

The thought sent a shiver through her. Anticipation filled her and she found she could hardly wait until later that evening.

Perhaps she would even dance. Adrian made her want to do a great many things she normally avoided.

“I only hope I do not make a fool of myself,” she murmured.

Jaclyn gave her a teasing smile. “If you do, at least you shall look magnificent while doing so.”

“Now let’s alter that gown,” Jaclyn said. “After that, we will discuss how you should dress your hair. I have a few ideas about that as well.”

“Are you my fairy godmother?” Georgina teased.

“Perhaps I am,” she said. “Charlotte has found her happiness with the Marquess of Easton, and you may find your prince charming tonight. Even if I cannot find my own happy-ever-after, at least I can help my friends find theirs.”

Georgina was no fool. She knew there was something between Jaclyn and the Duke of Amberwood. “Perhaps you will find happiness as well.” She truly hoped that her friend could resolve whatever held her back from finding love. “You deserve it.”

“I do not think that is possible for me.” There was a hint of sadness in her gaze, but Georgina did not press her for details.

If Jaclyn wished to speak of it, she would.

“This is not about me. This night is for you, and I plan to ensure it goes well for you.” She grinned.

“Therefore, I will be attending the masquerade as well.” She winked.

“Someone has to ensure you have time to meet your gentleman in private after all.”

Georgina gasped. “Jaclyn…”

“Do not pretend that is not your intention.” Jaclyn grinned. “It’s about time you did something scandalous.” She leaned in and whispered, “I approve.”

“You’re incorrigible…”

“This is true,” she agreed. “It’s part of my charm.

“That is one way of looking at it.” Georgina grinned. “All right. I will accept your aid. I very well may need it.”

“It will be my pleasure.” She motioned toward the gown. “And these alterations will not take long at all. This night is going to be quite entertaining.” Her lips twitched. “And I must say I look forward to it.”

Georgina inhaled deeply, her heart pounding against the constraints of her corset—she held a great deal of anticipation for the upcoming ball. She had never done anything so reckless, so bold. But for one night, she would let herself be free.

For Adrian.

For herself.

“Come,” Jaclyn said, looping their arms together. “Let’s start these alterations. I have a feeling this will be a night to remember.”

Georgina could not agree more. Tonight, everything would change.

*