Masked Ball at Broxley Manor

worst war the world had ever known. But I decided there was no point. Otto went on cheerfully, “Everyone would be happy.”
    “Not me,” I said and was amazed at my bravery. “I wouldn’t be happy, Otto.”
    He stopped and looked stunned. “You do not like me?”
    “Oh, I’m sure you’re very nice,” I said, “but I don’t know you. And I certainly don’t love you. When I marry, it will only be for love.”
    He laughed. “You are still young and inexperienced. I understand this. When you grow older you will realize that marriage is only a formality, designed to keep wealth and power among the right families. And to produce an heir. Love does not come into this.”
    “Well, it should,” I said. “I do not wish to spend my life with someone I don’t love, watching him sneak off to be with his mistresses. That’s not for me. I want to marry for love and live happily ever after.”
    “Your trouble is that you have too much of your great-grandmother Queen Victoria in you,” he said.
    “You’re right,” I said. “I’m proud to be like her. And until I find my Prince Albert, I shall remain fancy-free.”
    “Your king and queen will not be pleased about this.”
    “I think they’ll understand,” I said. “And if they don’t like it—I’m only a very minor member of the family. Of no consequence at all. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m feeling very tired.”
    I pulled away and gave him a polite sort of bow and went upstairs. I was feeling rather proud of myself by the time I located the room I had changed in and took off my costume. I had turned down my first real proposal. I had not let crowned heads of Europe push me around. I had stood up for what I believed in. I was not a child anymore. Before I fell asleep I conjured up the strong jaw and lovely smile of the man who’d danced with me, and I heard his voice in my head. And I wondered if I would ever see him again.
    * * *
    I awoke to the sun streaming in through long windows, and came downstairs to find guests at breakfast, still in their costumes. I didn’t feel like joining them and being jolly all over again. I found Lady Merriman and asked if I could be driven to the station.
    “Are you not feeling well, my dear?” she asked. “You are looking pale. Too much champagne last night, maybe. Tell me, did you sleep alone?”
    I blushed. “Of course.”
    “I thought as much. Otto was in a bad mood. I gather you turned him down.”
    I nodded. “I can’t agree to marry someone I’ve never met before.”
    “I quite agree. And you’re far too young.” She patted my hand. “Travel the world. See life and then marry. That’s what I did and I am blissfully happy with my dear Podge.”
    I tried to phrase the question in my head. “Tell me, Lady Merriman, was there another guest wearing a devil’s outfit last night?”
    “Were you seeing double? All that champagne, honey. No, you two were the only devilish pair.”
    And so I left, not knowing, believing I should never know the truth. When I arrived home that afternoon Harrison met me in the front hall and helped me off with my coat.
    “Did you have a delightful time, my lady?” he asked.
    “It was very grand,” I said. “All a little overwhelming.”
    “I understand, my lady. Always better to be among one’s own kind, I think.”
    I nodded.
    “Their graces have gone out, so you have the house to yourself,” he went on. “Should I have some tea sent to the drawing room for you?”
    “Thank you, that would be lovely.”
    “And a note came for you, my lady. Delivered by hand earlier today.” He held out the salver to me and I took the letter, addressed in strong black script.
To a fallen angel
.
    I rushed into the drawing room, sat by the fire and opened it.
My dear fallen angel,
I am sorry that I had to run off like that last night and we never had a chance to say good-bye. Maybe it’s better that way. Did you accept Prince Otto’s proposal? He told me he intended to propose.
I told you I was a gate-crasher and it was true. I was not on the guest list. I came only to do my friend Otto a favor. You see, there is a certain married woman of whom he is rather fond. She finds it hard to give her husband the slip, so I was brought in to be the decoy while they were dallying upstairs. I hope this doesn’t shock you too much. It’s the way of the world, I am afraid. Although I am sure that you will never dally. When you have made your choice, you will be faithful