He put a hand on the small of my back and guided me up the front steps. “Then let’s do this.”
We stepped through the front doors and onto the worn marble of the dimly lit foyer. A crystal chandelier, glowing in time with the blasting music, dangled perilously above the grand staircase that led to the upper levels, which were completely dark except for the occasional flash oflight—like will-o’-the-wisps drifting through the shadows.
Most of the guests congregated on the bottom floor since the upper floors were said to be haunted. Many high schoolers dared each other to go up there to “prove” themselves. Eventually, the Tilneys embraced the haunted reputation as a selling point and agreed to keep the place open in October as an attraction for tourists and locals alike.
“Stay close. It’s dark in here,” Riley whispered in my ear. His fingers trailed against my wrist before he took my hand. He pulled me past a crush of people and into the living room where a green fire crackled in the hearth. My hand reflexively tightened around his before I forced myself to loosen my grip. He stopped by a window with a heavy velvet drape in a dark corner of the room.
Riley leaned in, and for a second I could imagine us both without the masks, him pressing his lips to mine.
Instead, he whispered, “I’ll cover the other side of the house. Why don’t you check this side?”
“Okay.” I swallowed hard. At least he couldn’t see my cheeks to know I was blushing.
“Don’t forget, according to Madam Rosa, Eve should be a redhead in a pumpkin costume.” He pulled his phone from his outfit’s pocket. “Text me if you find anything.”
“I will.”
With that, he melted into the crowd, his black costume helping him blend in even though his round skeletal head stood out.
I did a slow spin of the room, trying to get a feel for who was here. Jaxon and a few people from my chem lab stood in the corner, but most of the attendees were in costume, hiding their identity. It would be a miracle if we found the right person tonight, but it was our only lead.
My gaze landed on Mary, dressed in her librarian costume and clutching a book to her chest. What on earth was she doing here? She hated coming to these things.
A second later, Frank Churchill appeared at her side and handed her a drink. She smiled at him, and her entire countenance changed.
I grinned and shook my head. That explained that mystery. Even if Mary didn’t enjoy parties, she loved spending time with her boyfriend. He had been great at helping her come out of her shell. Plus, they were adorable together.Seeing them now made me glad that Mary hadn’t listened to me when I’d tried to warn her away from Frank.
I did a slow circuit around the room before making my way to the next, which was equally dark and decorated. Almost immediately, I recognized Lizzy wearing the same plain witch’s costume that she wore to the Netherfield Ball not that long ago.
“Lizzy?” I asked as I walked over. Lydia had mentioned she was coming, but I hadn’t heard anything from Lizzy about the party.
She spun around, her dark hair held in an elaborate bun under her witch’s hat. “Oh, hey Kitty,” she said as Jane, wearing a long gauzy white dress that made her look like a Roman goddess, came over holding two drinks.
Jane smiled at me and offered the drink that must’ve been for her. “Here. You can have this.”
“That’s okay.”
Lizzy scanned the room, then turned to me. “You haven’t seen George, have you?”
“George Wickham? From the Grey Doors? Um, no.” If you’d asked me last month, I would’ve guessed Lizzy andDarcy were headed for something, after all the time they’d spent together. But then George Wickham showed up.
“Actually Lizzy, I’ve got some bad news.” Jane put a hand on her arm. “I heard he couldn’t come tonight.”
“Are you serious?” Lizzy’s jaw tightened, then she blew out a breath. “I knew I shouldn’t have come. Tonight is a total bust.”
Considering how into Wickham Lizzy seemed to be, would I have a chance with Riley after the potion wore off? Not that her feelings determined his, but if she wasn’t available it would at least up my chances.
My gaze landed on a short figure making his way toward us, and I winced and muttered, “I think it’s about to get worse.”
“What do you mea—”
“Elizabeth,” Mr. Collins said as he made it to her side in aPhantom of the Operacostume. He flung his cape behind him, although it got tangled in his legs. “I was trying to locate you, and I’m glad that I’ve succeeded.”
“I’ve been keeping an eye out for you too.” Lizzy gave him a strained smile.
“Might I get you a drink or something? The refreshment table is impeccable.” He traced the cuff of his sleeve again–maybe a nervous tic.
She shook her head. “I’ve got one. Thanks.”
