Free A Thin Line by Tammy Jo Burns Page B

  Don’t you two look fashionable?”
    “Thank you,” Lady Clarissa replied.  
    “Lady Blackerby, you look lovely.”
    “Thank you Southerby.   Aunt Gertrude asked about you the other day.”
    “Yes, I need to go by and see her.”
    “She would like that very much.   Kala, you met my father the other evening, but let me introduce you to my step-mother.”   Kala noticed a bit of strain enter Clarissa’s voice as she made the introductions.   Interesting , she mused to herself.   “And this is her brother, Mr. Montmorency.”   Once the introductions were made and everyone wished each other a happy evening, the two groups parted.  
    Kala noticed that Gabe had not said one thing to her during the entire exchange.   Whatever nervousness or apprehension she had felt about this evening’s endeavor were now gone.   She did feel a bit guilty about not giving him a chance to defend himself.   If I had asked him anything, he probably would have told me to mind my own business , she chided herself.
    They made their way to the box and noticed another couple already resided in it.   They quickly greeted Derek and Tessa and exchanged pleasantries about one another’s costumes.   The air had a chill about it as they were approaching the end of October, but all would be warm soon enough from the dancing and festivities.
    Determined to enjoy the evening as much as possible, she attempted to push away any nagging thoughts.   The crowd flowed past their box in an endless cascade of colors.   People were dressed as Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth, and Cleopatra.   Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.   The masquerade allowed for anonymity that many people seemed to revel in.   People used it as a chance to experiment where they might not in normal circumstances.   Kala knew that even courtesans came to these events until the unveiling and then they would quietly slip away.  
    Nerves plagued her as she found herself thinking about her meeting later this evening.   A knot formed in the pit of her stomach.   Nerves , she reassured herself.   A tap on her shoulder startled her from her reverie and made her jump.   She jerked around to see Cyrano staring intently at her.
    “Are you all right?”
    “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”
    “I’m not sure.   You just seem to be. . .well, not here.”
    “I assure you, I am definitely here.”
    “Well then, will you join me for this waltz?”
    “It would be my pleasure.”   She allowed him to escort her onto the dance floor unaware of the seething man watching them from the sidelines.
    ***
    He shouldn’t be dancing that closely with her , the man thought.   His plain black mask provided a barrier between him and the outside world.   He watched the woman he desired being swept up into the arms of another man.   How dare she let other men have such privileges?   He would teach her that only he touched her.   And he would, as soon as he found out what information she had to give.   He just prayed he wouldn’t have to do anything drastic.   But just in case, he must be ready.   Always be ready for the unexpected.   And he would be ready.

Chapter 8

    Kala laughed up at something Justin told her as he twirled her around the dance floor.
    “That’s more like it,” he whispered in her ear.   A tender smile spread across his lips.
    Nothing again.   Frustration engulfed her.   Why couldn’t she feel anything more than friendship for him?   The answer tried to creep in on her, but she firmly pushed it back.  
    “What’s more like it?” she asked playfully.
    “That beautiful smile of yours back where it belongs.   You have been too serious for much of the night.”
    “I’m sorry Justin.   I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
    “Perhaps it has something to do with that missive you had me deliver?”
    “Perhaps,” she evaded the answer.
    “Would you like to talk about it?”
    “Not particularly.”
    “All right then, I’ll just have to find