Guardian Angel

Chapter 6

When I came back through the back door of the estate Laura escorted me to the dining hall for lunch. I must have been outside longer than I thought. Grandfather was up in his office working but grandmother ate lunch with me in the main dining hall. All around us the staff was hard at work preparing the manor for the ball tonight. "I see you enjoy being in our garden," grandmother said with a smile. "I love it too. The flowers out there are just so lovely." I smiled trying not to blush. I didn't want to tell her that I go out there to be with their gardener so I just responded, "I love the roses." After we finished our lunch I went to my lessons. They were interesting yet boring at the same time. Oh well. When I was finally finished Laura walked in. "Hello miss Scarlet," she said and bowed to me. "I have been instructed to escort you to your room. You are going to be fitted for a beautiful party dress for tonight's occasion." With that, Laura and I walked up the stairs to my room. The same team of ladies rushed in with the same supplies as before. I was then fitted for a new party dress. It was lovely. It was long-sleeved and navy blue with white lace and trim. Then they handed me a pair of white gloves that came up to my wrists and then a masquerade mask with gold and navy blue details. I was excited now. This was going to be one of those masquerade balls that I had heard about. I tossed the mask back and forth in my hand and then put it on. Laura gasped. "Oh you look absolutely beautiful miss" Laura stated with a giggle. She looked at the clock. "Oh my," she exclaimed. "The ball will be starting shortly. I must go help get ready. " she bowed, waved and then left. I sat up in my room at my vanity holding my rose. I looked at myself in the mirror. My mask covered my scar so I was happy about that. After a while I heard a knock at my door. "Miss Scarlet," said Laura. "It's time for you to come down to the party!" I opened the door and followed Laura down the stairs. I was applauded by all of the people in attendance. They all wore masks and each mask was different from the last. I walked onto the dance floor and music started to play. I started to move off the dance floor when someone grabbed my hand. He was a tall man in a white button-down shirt, navy blue vest, black overcoat and long black trousers. He wore a black and blue mask. He spun me around and smiled. "May I have this dance miss?" Asked the mystery guest. Something seemed familiar about him but I'm not sure what. I nodded my head. "Of course. I must warn you I'm not a very good dancer." He bent down and kissed my hand. "Don't worry," he whispered. "Just let me lead." I noticed he had dark blueish-purplish hair and dark blue eyes. Could it be-no it can't. My mind is playing tricks on me. I pushed the thought aside and danced. He spun me around and we danced around the room. I was having such a great time. I couldn't have been happier. Then all of a sudden the lights went out. I couldn't see a thing. Then someone grabbed me constricting my movement. Something was put over my nose and mouth and I could smell something horrid. "Don't worry young lady," hissed a voice. "This will be all over soon." I started to feel light headed and dizzy. Soon I blacked out.