“I am so grateful His Grace Andrew allowed me to ride with you”, I turned toward Edith. “Otherwise I would be forced to endure my aunt’s presence.”

“At least there would be no Lord Aidan, since he is the host of the ball,” she spread her arms wide. “So, how do I look?”

She spun around in her copper evening gown before she fastened on her venetian golden-white feline mask. “I simply adore masquerade balls!”

“You look absolutely stunning,” I smiled at her excited demeanor.

“Why, thank you,” she indicated at my disguise. “Why raven? Isn’t it supposed to be a symbol of death?”

I carefully tied my black lace raven mask around my head and straightened my midnight-colored dress.

“It is believed that the animal holds various magic abilities. Raven is a highly spiritual and intelligent creature, so I am using its power to guide me tonight.”

“So you hope to bewitch someone tonight?” She snickered under her breath. “Like Lord Stanley? Or perhaps His Grace Read?”

“Edith Collins!” I glanced at her with mock outrage.

Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she pressed on. “Shouldn’t you be wearing your riding attire?”

“What are you talking about?” I crossed my arms over my chest and narrowed my eyes at her.

“Well, since His Grace will probably wear a horse mask,” she exploded in a fit of giggles, covering her mouth with her hand.

“You are evil!” I stabbed my finger in her chest, but I couldn’t contain the laughter. “Stop teasing at once!”

Suddenly her eyebrows were raised with curiosity. “I heard he brought you home from the banquet last week. Is that true?”

“If my dear aunt and her lover wouldn’t have forgotten all about me that would never happen! Anyhow, it was very kind of him to offer me a ride. I would most definitely die of pneumonia if he hadn’t.”

“Horses or weather?” She leaned forward, trying to keep her face straight.

“Edith…” I warned her, rolling my eyes in annoyance.

“Oh come on, Ashlyn!” She pleaded while pursing her lips. "Humor me just a little bit."

“Fine! Horses if you must know!”

The corners of her full mouth twitched. “I knew it! Next time it will most definitely be weather!”

I let out a very unladylike growl. “There won’t be a next time.”

“Oh dear God! Do you hear that?” She whispered while her eyes dramatically widened.

“Hear what? Have you lost your mind?” I listened intently but heard no sound whatsoever.

She tapped her finger against her lips and bobbed her head. “No, there is most definitely a sound.”

“Edith, what are you talking about?” I cast her a bewildered glace.

“Oh I know!” She laughed. “Those are wedding bells!” She shook her hand above my head, pretending to ring the imaginary bell.

My mouth was hanging open with sheer disbelief. “That is enough! I am walking!”

“I am sure His Grace would somehow find you at the side of the road and offer you a ride.”

“Someone get this madwoman out of the house!” I threw my hands in the air.

I heard someone laugh behind the door of my bedroom.

I tiptoed toward the door and swiftly pulled it open. My sister was crouching on the floor, with an empty glass firmly tucked between her hands.

“Jane! Are you eavesdropping again?”

“Absolutely not? What gives you that impression?” She hurriedly hid the glass behind her back and gave me her best innocent smile.

I raised my eyebrow. “I am sure.”

“Who is His Grace Read?” She dashed past me to address my friend. The little one was being awfully curious these days.

I swirled around, before I put my hands on my hips. “Don’t you dare Edith!” The severity of my glare apparently didn’t hold a wanted affect on my very amused friend.

“How can I put this?” Edith’s eyes were positively gleaming. “Ashlyn’s prince Charming.”

“Really?” My sister beamed at me before turning back to Edith. “Is he handsome? What is he like?”

“Absolutely charming,” like a Cheshire cat, Edith’s mouth curved into a wide smile.

“You!” I pointed at her. “He is… Not!”

“Handsome, entertaining and downright flawless!” Edith covered her mouth with her oriental hand fan, hiding the fit of giggles.

“Are you marring him, sister?” Jane’s bright eyes went wide at the possibility of a new arrangement. “Mama! Papa!” She called out loudly.

I couldn’t move fast enough as I clasped my hand over her small mouth. “Dear God, Jane! Hush this instant!” I exclaimed with horror. “You two will be the death of me, I swear! I am most certainly not marring him!”

“Is he you secret admirer?” She asked after I released her.

Edith’s head jerked in my direction. “What secret admirer?”

“Every other day Ashlyn gets a bouquet of white roses,” Jane announced excitedly. “But we don’t know who he is since he never leaves a card.”

“Every other day, you say?” Edith asked in astonishment. “Where in God’s name the man buys so many roses?” She pressed her fingers to her lips, carefully thinking about the curious matter. “Oh dear God!” She dashed to her feet.

The girl’s eyes were round as two glimmering orbs. She started frantically fanning her flushed face.

I couldn’t stand the suspense any longer. “What is it, Edith?”

“Jane’s right! It is Baxter Read!” Her hysterical laughter was a mixture of amusement and terror.

“But how do you know for certain?” I grabbed her shoulders and forced her to face me. I swear I felt my insides turning into ice.

“It’s impossible to get such quantity of roses, unless you grow a rose garden on your property. It’s a common knowledge that he owns the most beautiful rose bushes.”

“You are just making fun of me again!” I shook my head in denial as I remembered the rumors about his green thumb.

“I swear on my life, Ashlyn! You’re welcome to ask His Grace Andrew if you don’t believe me.”

“That is… No! I…” I stumbled over the words. “I am sure this is only a coincidence!”

“We all cautioned you to avoid him as much as you can, Ashlyn! Everyone is gossiping about you two already!”