Penelope sighed, burying the thought immediately. "And a mask," She murmured, the sudden realization striking her. "I must have one."
Mary nodded at once. "The market on Brook Street may still have fine masks, if we go before noon."
Penelope's fingers tightened around the card. It is a masquerade ball.Definitely, she needed a mask, something to hide behind, something that might, for one night, allow her to be someone other than the woman society believed her to be.
If this night granted her that wish, Penelope hoped it would also grant her the courage to hunt, just like the other debutantes. But different in the sense of desperation.
"Have the carriage prepared," She said, a spark of resolve settling into her voice. "I shall go myself,"
Mary blinked, surprised, but still nodded nevertheless. "Right away, Miss."
***
By the time the carriage rolled to a halt along Brook Street, the morning had already given way to the soft bustle of noon.
