Why is it that when she says that, I feel that exactly the opposite is true?
Chapter Thirty-Six
Securing my hair with one more hairpin, I go and stand in front of the portrait of Cecily and Eliza and look the Blue Lady in the eyes.
“Let’s hope I can carry this colour off as well as you can,” I tell her. “Wish me luck, Cecily.”
Then taking a deep breath, I slip on a pair of silver kitten heels and tie the silver ribbon to secure my face mask over my eyes. This could all go horribly wrong, but what a great story it will be to tell one day.
Rani and the girls, presumably with Poppy’s eye unstuck, have already gone downstairs when I finally emerge from my room feeling simultaneously tragically overdressed and also really rather magical. As I approach the central staircase, I can hear chatter and laughter echoing in the hallway, and when I peer over the banister, everyone who is supposed to be at dinner is gathered at the foot of the stairs for cocktails.
They were supposed to be on the terrace, but it seems that a summer shower has chased everyone inside to finish their cocktails before the dancing starts. I had hoped I might get down thesweeping staircase without anyone noticing, but inevitably they all look up at me like someone is about to strike up “Here Comes the Bride.”
For a moment I think about turning around and going back to my room. Then, as always, my best friend Rani saves the day.
“I told you that blue would look great on you. It matches the colour of your eyes,” she says, trotting up the stairs to take my hand. “You look gorgeous, darling.”
“I can’t decide if I’m the best thing since sliced bread or an offense to taste and decency,” I tell her, gripping her hand tightly as we come down the stairs.
“You are both, and it’s glorious.” She smiles at me. “You’ve got this.”
“And you? How are you feeling about Alex?” I ask.
“Sophisticated and grown-up,” Rani tells me.
“So, pissed off then.”
“You know me so well.”
Rani leads me to dinner through the small crowd, saying hello to everyone but Alex. Briefly, I meet Forrest’s eyes. God damn, he looks fine. Somehow, I have no idea how, he has found a tailcoat that fits him perfectly, and yes, he is even wearing breeches and knee boots. Good Lord, he is a test to a girl’s decorum. He should, by any stretch of the imagination, look ridiculous amongst the other tailored suits and low-key style, but he is the epitome of dashing, and I love him for not caring what anyone else thinks. I love that he dressed up to please his little girl, and now he’s owning it. Why is he making it so hard for me to not think of himthatway. And by that way, I mean ripping that ruffled shirt openand kissing his muscular chest. Still, I have already ruined one of his shirts and that is probably enough.
When Forrest sees me, his eyes widen, his grin reaches from ear to ear, and he gives me a little round of applause. But before he or anyone else can say something, Artie bursts through the crowd in an explosion of joy.
“Whoa, Ava!” she says, “Look! We’re matching!”
It’s true. The princess dress she has chosen to wear from her collection for tonight is the classic Cinderella gown.
“Wow, we’re so cool!” I tell her. “Do a twirl! Do a twirl!”
Artie obliges with delight, twirling and twirling until she careers off course and bangs into her father’s legs.
“Now you, you do a twirl!” she cries, and I twirl for her, because I love the way her eyes light up and how her laugh is the loudest, most unashamed laugh that I have ever heard.
“You are so beautiful,” Artie says earnestly as she grabs both my hands. “We are equally beautiful women, and also really clever and badass.”
“Damn straight we are,” I say, as we exchange a high five.
“I have shoes too.” Artie shows me her silver trainers. “Good for dancing. But there is one problem.”
“What’s that?” I ask her.
“I thought a masked ball was about being in disguise, but well, even though you’ve got a mask on, I totally knew it was you! I totally know who everyone is. Do you know who Daddy is?”
“Not a clue,” I say, looking around and catching Hal smiling at me. “Could be anyone.”
“Ava, don’t be silly,” Artie protests. “Daddy is dressed up likea prince. Lady B found him an outfit and it is hilarious. Daddy, tell her.”
“My lady.” Forrest takes my hand and bows low. He almost kisses the back of my hand and then doesn’t.
