Free A Little More Scandal by Carrie Lofty

are.”
    Although she knew that to be the point of the gala—the diversion of so-called concealed identities—she felt a measure of dread. Mr. Talbott had spoken in such a way as to suggest her identity should be hidden. Permanently. Did he disapprove of Lady Julia’s kindness? Because, no matter the woman’s motives, she had done Catrin a remarkable favor by providing a spare room and clothing, let alone keeping her close throughout the Season.
    “Nonsense, Jonathan,” said Lady Julia. “She can reveal herself to whichever fine young man catches her fancy. There’s nothing more exciting than being in possession of a shared secret.”
    Catrin nodded, but in the hopes of keeping her thoughts hidden, she did not smile. That was the exact thought she had entertained upon first receiving the unexpected invitation. She and William would be alone together, no matter the crowd. But she tempered that expectation. Apparently he did not want her as a wife, if he wanted any wife at all.
    For being such a level-headed businessman, he was passing up quite the bargain.
    The carriage came to a stop, just before the driver embarked upon the grand jostle to inch nearer the event’s entrance. Illumination from large, heavy torches along the wrought-iron fence shone through the window and caught the jewels lining Lady Julia’s crimson mask. Swan feathers, dyed to match her shimmering gold gown, spiked outward like exotic eyebrows. Catrin had never imagined such a creation, not even when perusing the tattered, mud-strewn fashion catalogs hoarded by a few fellow nurses. It was simply too far beyond her base of knowledge, and a reminder of the world’s glories she had yet to witness.
    She needed a partner for that journey. Being alone held little appeal beyond privacy. The night was too long and the waters far, far too cold and dangerous.
    Swimming with sharks.
    Mr. Talbott, wearing an equally ostentatious mask of bright purple silk, helped Catrin down from the carriage. She followed the cousins up the wide marble steps, which glowed golden yellow beneath another dozen blazing torches. Because of the nature of the masquerade, no one announced them as they arrived. A small, quiet blessing. She had come to dread the simultaneous turn of a hundred heads when her name was bellowed across a ballroom.
    Lady Julia took her arm. “This way. I know it’s all supposed to be a secret, but I wanted to introduce you to Lady Evelyn, our hostess. You want to be able to thank her for this marvelous opportunity, yes?”
    “Of course,” Catrin murmured.
    Ten minutes of baiting. Then she would be free to dance. A trivial exchange.
    She straightened her back and told herself what she always did in such circumstances. Make it look easy. After all, the absolute worst had crashed down on her, and she had survived. Gossiping harpies were nothing but a buzz in her ear.
    “Lady Evelyn, may I present Miss Catrin Jones.” The red face paint adorning Lady Julia’s lips had already started to flake.
    Every woman’s mask outshone the one Catrin wore, but Lady Evelyn’s was the only one she did not envy. The giant creation must have weighed half a stone, adorned with dangling beadwork and fat crystal bobs. Catrin knew nothing about precious stones, but she suspected every rock encrusting that giant blue monstrosity was valuable. No wonder Lady Evelyn sat on a raised chair, nearly a dais, as she received guests. Few women would be able to stand for long while supporting such a creation.
    “Of course! Miss Jones! How lovely to finally make your acquaintance. I’m so delighted to offer you a taste of culture after the trials you’ve endured.” Her substantial bosom pressed against the heavy restraints of her bodice as she spoke. And such an odd manner of speaking—polite and displaying perfect elocution, but breathy and rushed, as if constantly tattling. Perhaps that was all she did. “You simply must tell me what it was like. Although no one has been able