Free Behind the Mask by Elizabeth D. Michaels Page B

intolerable.
    Scornfully, she pulled the jade combs from her hair and threw them to the dressing table. She nearly tore the gown in her efforts to remove it, thinking that only hours earlier it had held the promise of excitement and adventure. Now it only meant the memory of Nikolaus attempting to have his way with her, and she threw it with contempt to the bottom of the wardrobe. Elsa entered the room just as Abbi sat in front of the mirror and began to brush through her hair.
    “I could have helped you out of your dress,” Elsa said cheerfully, but her expression darkened when she saw the wad of green silk on the wardrobe floor. Her concern was evident as she picked up the gown to shake it out.
    “I wonder if it isn’t a waste of effort,” Abbi said tersely, “or if I even have what it takes to be any part of society.”
    “I take it things didn’t go well.”
    “I guess you could put it that way. But only because I’m a naive fool who—”
    “Don’t even say it, Miss Abbi.” Elsa put her hands on her slim hips. “If anything, you’re too good for them.”
    “You’re sweet, Elsa.” Abbi’s tone turned wistful. “But all the way home I could only think how much I miss Papa. He was often criticized for the way he raised me, but I was always happy. I didn’t realize until tonight just how naive I am. Perhaps the aunts are right. Perhaps Papa did me a disservice in keeping me so sheltered.”
    “I’m sure your grandfather meant well, Miss.”
    “My aunts are certainly making up for lost time.”
    “You’d not have met the captain and the duke if not for them,” Elsa offered in a positive voice. But Abbi felt her face go warm at the mention of Nikolaus. She wasn’t ready to discuss that yet—not even with Elsa.
    “You look tired, Miss,” Elsa said. “You change into your nightgown and I’ll get you a glass of warm milk.”
    Abbi smiled her thanks, and once alone, her mind drifted back to the incident with Nikolaus. She felt hot with shame to recall their encounter, and wondered if his only motive in offering to give her a tour of the castle was to get her alone and take advantage of her. Common sense told her there was a better way. Did Nikolaus suppose that being the duke gave him the right to treat a woman as though she were already his? And yet the memory of his kiss made her feel weak with longing in spite of his appalling behavior. The contradictions within herself were perhaps most disconcerting of all.
    Nikolaus was undoubtedly handsome and charming. And though Abbi had been raised with an indifference to social distinction, if she were honest she had to admit that it was flattering to be courted by the Duke of Horstberg. But duke or not, he would have to court her properly or not at all.
    Lance, on the other hand, had been straightforward about his intentions. His offer certainly seemed honorable, but to Abbi it held no intrigue. Could it be her feelings for Nikolaus that stood in the way? She felt as if her mind would burst at the confusion. If only Papa had prepared her for such things!
    Determined not to dwell on it any further, Abbi was grateful to have Elsa return with her milk. “This should help you relax,” Elsa said, “and if I may say, Miss, please don’t worry. Things do have a way of working themselves out.”
    “I’m sure you’re right, Elsa.”
    “Is there anything more I can get you before I go to bed?”
    “No, thank you,” Abbi replied distantly.
    Elsa went to leave and then turned back. “Oh, I almost forgot. I found some odd papers of some sort among your grandfather’s things that you asked me to go through, and I wasn’t sure what to do with them. They aren’t marked or anything, so I left them on your bureau.”
    “Thank you. I’ll take a look at them.”
    When Elsa was gone, Abbi turned her attention to the mysterious papers. She idly picked the packet up from the bureau and a formless ache seeped into her. She pulled open a drawer and pushed aside