Hiding from Love Read Online Free PDF

struck her as they waltzed by.
    The lady in red velvet and wearing a gold-feathered mask she recognised as Lady Broughton’s daughter, Maud.
    The gentleman she could not place, but there was something about him that seemed vaguely familiar.  It was impossible to even guess at his identity for his black mask concealed his features completely.
    Soon Leonora had no time to speculate and she lost count of how many glasses of lemonade she served or how many times she rang the handbell for fresh pitchers.
    At last supper was announced and the tide of thirsty revellers began to change course for the food-laden tables in the Great Hall at the other end of the ballroom.
    Leonora took the opportunity to stack up the used glasses on the trays provided and the maids hurried over to take the trays down to the pantry.
    She retied her apron and began to smooth back her tousled hair.
    â€œYou must be much in need of a drop of lemonade yourself,” came a voice at close quarters.
    Leonora looked up.
    The lady in the gold-feathered mask was standing in the door and her imperious tone betrayed her to be exactly who Leonora had guessed – Maud Broughton.
    â€œThanks very much.  I’ve already had two glasses,” said Leonora, her eyes straying to Maud’s companion, the gentleman in the black mask.
    He was removing his gloves with his head bowed, but he looked up sharply at the sound of Leonora’s voice.
    Through the mask his eyes met hers and blushing, she averted his penetrating gaze.
    â€œI’ve danced every dance so far,” Maud declared, “and I’m parched – I must have a glass of lemonade.”
    Leonora poured one for her.
    She stopped and then offered one to her companion.
    The gentleman shook his head gently, his eyes still fixed on Leonora.
    â€œOh, he would rather have champagne, I’m sure!” laughed Maud.
    â€œI want nothing,” he declared in a low voice.
    Maud glanced at him and then stiffened slightly as she noted his intense focus on Leonora.
    She turned round and, raising her glass to her lips, surveyed Leonora over its rim.
    â€œDo you like dancing?” she asked sweetly.
    â€œYes, I do,” responded Leonora.
    â€œRather a shame, then, to be tucked away into this corner all evening, isn’t it?”
    Her voice betrayed a note of false commiseration.
    â€œWell, at least I can watch it all,” replied Leonora.
    â€œOh that’s just not good enough!” exclaimed Maud, as she clicked her fingers at the orchestra.
    â€œViolinists, could you strike up please!”
    Leonora saw the violinists glance at each other and then lift their violins to their chins.
    â€œThere,” crowed Maud as the first strains of a waltz rose up.
    â€œNow you can dance.  There’s nobody here to see.  They’re all far too busy at supper.   Go on .”
    Leonora shrank back.
    â€œI-I cannot – madam.”
    â€œOf course you can.  My companion here will be only too happy to partner you.  Won’t you?” she added, turning almost fiercely on the gentleman in the black mask.
    The gentleman stood silently for a moment.  Then he drew on his gloves and held his hand out to Leonora.
    â€œCome,” he invited.
    Leonora’s jaw clenched.
    She guessed that Maud wished to humiliate her in some way and she was determined not to allow it.
    â€œThank you, but no, sir.”
    His next move disarmed her.  Reaching forward, he took Leonora’s hand and drew her from behind the table.
    â€œCome,” he repeated.
    Much to her consternation she felt herself yield.
    There was something compelling about this man’s character and tone that made her will melt away like snow in the rays of the sun!
    â€œSplendid!” hissed Maud through gritted teeth as the two passed her and entered the ballroom.
    â€œM-my apron,” whispered Leonora unhappily.  “I cannot dance in an apron!”
    In response her