Masqued Intentions

Part 2: Afternoon of the Masque

Imogen

"Sit up straight, Imogen," the Duchess of Worthington said, daintily sipping her tea with her pinky finger extended. Imogen sighed almost imperceptibly and straightened her skirts. It didn't matter how perfect her posture, her mother always found room for improvement. She glanced up from her own teacup at her mother's doughy face. She had once been quite slim with a tiny waist, but years of happiness with her father the duke had caused the duchess to round out almost alarmingly. For as much as the duchess worried about her unmarried only daughter, Imogen had in turn grown concerned about her mother's health in recent years. She could no longer take long walks through the grounds, and needed to retire to her rooms to rest more and more frequently. She tried to get her mother to eat fewer sweets, but she was always waving her off, confident that she was fine, absolutely fine.

"Remember, tonight is crucial, my dear. I've been assured you'll get some time alone with the prince, but it's up to you to sway him in your favor," her mother continued, oblivious to Imogen's wandering mind. This last statement brought her back to the present with a jolt.

"How exactly have you been 'assured,' mother?" Imogen said sharply.

It was the wrong tone to take. Her mother bristled and drew herself up. "There are many people that want nothing more than to see the houses of Norwood and Worthington joined together at last, after years of amicable friendship," she huffed impatiently. "You're well aware of your position in this family. Please don't ruin our future and yours by making things difficult." The duchess dabbed a tear away from the corner of her eye with a silk handkerchief.

Imogen immediately felt bad. Her mother's emotions were always close to the surface, and while her constant pressure into matrimony was taxing, she truly loved her mother and didn't like to upset her. Underneath the need for good family connections and a timely marriage to maintain the dukedom, she knew her mother wanted her to find the same happiness she shared with her father. But she couldn't bring herself to be excited at the thought of alone time with the prince. From her previous interactions, he was sure to be a bore.

"I'm sorry mother. I know how important this is to you," she reached over and patted her mother's hand.

"For you too, dear," her mother replied with a pout, although she looked at least slightly mollified by the gesture. They continued drinking their tea in a somewhat companionable silence.

Imogen's thoughts turned to her plans for the evening. If Chartreuse didn't come through with the other costumes, then the entire thing was a bust. However, she saw the barely contained excitement from the seamstress when she'd handed her the other gowns to make over. No matter what that girl would find a way to pull it together.

Her maid was the bigger mystery. She couldn't understand why she was so reluctant to go. Who wouldn't want the chance to attend a royal event? the maid had gone positively white when Imogen promised to give her a dance lesson later so she would be prepared for the evening. Hopefully Emmaline got over her fears so she could enjoy herself. If she didn't she could blow her cover and cause a scandal. For a split second Imogen relished the thought of the ruckus the discovery of a disguised servant at the royal ball would cause, but just as quickly she dismissed the thought, ashamed. Emmaline was a lovely shy sweet thing. Being caught in the palace would surely result in severe physical punishment or even death. As much as Imogen liked to had fun, she had to do her part to make sure they weren't discovered. However, she was well trained in the art of secrecy by now, and was sure she could pull everything off without being found out. Despite the risks, she was deliciously anticipating seeing the prince meet her stowaway guests. She could hardly wait to watch them dance together and find out if he would see through their ruse. As dull as he was, she did know him to be kind, and doubted he would have it in him to punish the girls if he found out who they were.