The Masked Man
Written by: Collette Cottingham; Consciously Woman
Her velvety blue gown swished along the wood floor. The dress moved effortlessly, but in reality it was a heavy weight. Virginia wasn’t sure if the weight was from the dress or her mind.
She scanned the room. She had been looking forward to this masked ball for weeks. With the mask she would be invisible.
In scanning the room she realized everyone was invisible. How was she going to make the drop now?
“Virginia dear, let me introduce to the Sir Wellington, Mrs. Wellington and his son, William.”
Her thoughts went to baby Will, her dear departed baby brother with his one blonde curl on top of his head…She bowed “pleasure to meet your acquaintance.”
Her Uncle began his usual boring chatter. William broke her thoughts, “can I have this dance.”
Virginia turned to her Uncle, he nodded for her to dance. As they crossed to the dance floor she could feel her Uncle’s grin on the back of her head. He had been trying to get rid of her since he inherited her. She could not marry William. She had a job to do. Plus she was a dead woman. William should find a woman who was alive.
“Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the terrace?”
“I would be delighted.” She practically choked on her words. She didn’t have time for idle chit chat. She had a job to do. Once outside she spotted him. There he was the man with all the roses. Now was the time. Virginia placed her velvet fan on the table. William quickly picked it up.
“You don’t want to lose this.”
Why did he have to be so attentive. If they were married he would have a mistress by now. She needed to distract William.
“William can you please remove your mask? “
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I want to see your face.” While William removed his mask she slipped the encrypted note under the table vase.
She glanced up to see the man behind the mask. William was very striking. He had soft brown eyes, a broad chin and a warm smile. He was a gentleman in every way. Virginia quickly removed her mask.
“Miss Virginia, you are quite handsome.”
“As are you Sir William.”
“May I have this dance?”
Virginia nodded and William escorted her back inside. She glanced back to see the man in the rose mask nod. He received the message.
