Page 80 of Love Abandoned

“If you move too quickly, more than your stockings may show.” Sophia smiled naughtily and held the dress out toward Elizabeth. “Come. Take it. Be brave,mia amica.”

Sophia had gleefully designed Elizabeth’s costume, enjoying taunting her by disguising her as Lady Virtue. The white mask, now blankly staring at her from her bed, was tailored to cover her entire face. The track of a single black tear contradicted its set smile. Her distinctive hair was to be cloaked by a cap of black-and-white plumes.

Elizabeth reluctantly slipped off her robe and took the dress. Sophia stepped forward and helped tug it down, the bodice snug against her torso. She took a few steps, and the ribbons fluttered, exposing her legs. “I cannot wear this. It is indecent.”

“Ah,bella, it is mild compared to some of the costumes you shall see.”

Elizabeth turned to Sophia and narrowed her eyes. “What kind of a ball are you hosting, Sophia?”

“It’s a masquerade. It is meant to be risqué. You are meant to be daring.” She scooped Elizabeth’s arm with her own and leaned in close. “You will have your mask. No one will know who you are. Have some fun,mia amica. Be free.” She pulled Elizabeth to the mirror. “You are beautiful, no?”

Elizabeth gasped and stared at herself. She’d thought some of her new dresses were too bold. This one was beyond audacious, the white silk cut so low she wasn’t sure it would contain her breasts.

“Ooh la la!” Sophia exclaimed as Elizabeth pulled at the fabric, trying to cover herself more fully.

“I cannot…,” she sputtered, tugging to no avail.

Sophia tsk-tsked, walked over to the pile of cloth on the bed, and pulled out a swatch of sheer black fabric before returning to Elizabeth’s side.

“You English are such prudes.” Sophia softened her chastisement with a smile. “It is a masquerade,bella, not a debutante’s ball. You could wear it. Youcouldwear anything you want…or not wear anything you want,” she said teasingly. “But you will not.” She sighed dramatically and tucked the delicate gauze around Elizabeth’s neckline, creating a skimpy fichu. “There, my prim English friend. Keep your secrets hidden.”

Sophia leaned in and kissed Elizabeth’s cheek, making her feel very young and inexperienced.

“Now I must go and see that everything is as it should be. I will see you tonight. You will not disappoint me, Elizabeth.”

Sophia rarely used her Christian name, and the gentleness in her eyes as she made her demand made Elizabeth’s eyes tear. She shook her head.

“Mia dolce innocente,” Sophia said quietly. “You will be safe. I will see to it.” She sashayed across the room. “I have left a special package for you.Addio bellezza.”

Elizabeth stared at herself in the mirror. Was she truly the innocent Sophia called her? How could that be at her age? Only three years until she was thirty. How long before she was no longer attractive? She’d had curves like Sophia when she’d been pregnant, but she’d lost them with illness. Would she become a gaunt matron, watching from the sidelines as the children grew into men? When would wisps of gray mute the spun gold? Would her eyes grow milky blue with age? If Richard did not care for her now, what possible hope was there of gaining his esteem as the years slipped by?

She groaned and turned from the mirror. He’d made clear his lack of interest in her. When would she stop wanting him? She stared at the mask. A single tear. Elizabeth was tired of crying. She would not disappoint Sophia. She would not let herself down.

She grabbed the package Sophia had left on the side table and sat on the bed. She tugged at the string on the bundle, unfolded the paper, and stared at the contents. Sponges and vials of liquids. Elizabeth knew instantly what they were for. Dear Lord, was this what Sophia meant by keeping her safe? What had she gotten herself into?

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