Mardi Gras Masquerade Read Free

exactly what to say.”
    And that was exactly what Marla Fontaine had done, as she wore away the remainder of her friend’s opposition to the scheme.   Before Maria could fully comprehend what was happening, she was on a plane to New Orleans .   As a final incentive, the model had thrust the masquerade costume that she had intended to wear into Maria’s suitcase.   The bright red, glittering gown had been several inches too long for her friend to wear, but she had had it secretly altered to fit Maria a few days before she left.
    The hotel suite had been all prepared for her arrival, or rather, her roommate’s.   Two large bouquets of flowers graced the rooms with their beauty and heavenly aroma.   Chilled champagne and a basket of delectable treats had been placed on the table by the couch.  
    When she had told the desk clerk she was there to take Miss Maria Fontaine’s suite, a note had been presented to her.   It read, “Maria, darling, I’m detained by business.   Please, make yourself comfortable.   The room service menu is in the top drawer of the desk.   I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
    Maria felt out of place and heartily ashamed by all of the luxury that was not meant for her.   About fifteen minutes after she had settled into the room, she had received a call from the hotel manager.   The staff had already assumed that she was Maria Fontaine, so she now felt compelled to go ahead with the pretence.   Everything could be rectified later.
    Yes, she was Maria Fontaine.   That’s what she said.   The manager then told her that Mr. DuPont had called shortly after her arrival and left a message for her.   He apologized again for being detained, but he would not be able to meet her before
ten o’clock
that evening.   She should order dinner from room service if she liked, and then, occupy herself with the festivities as long as she desired.   He would contact her later.
    Maria had accepted this information with as much grace as her throbbing nerves would allow.   On a sudden inspiration, she told the manager that when Mr. DuPont called back, he should tell him that she would see him tomorrow.   At this point, she felt unprepared for an encounter with the formidable exporter.   She needed some free time to compose herself before she delivered her friend’s message.
    In order to assure herself of this essential time alone, she immediately dressed in her roommate’s glamorous costume and left the hotel.   If Tienne DuPont decided he did not want to wait to see his fiancée, he would not be able to find her.   He would be forced to wait another day before he received the fatal blow to his engagement.
    Before Maria had left Chicago , she had researched the web to learn all she could about New Orleans .   She had studied the information carefully, especially the map of the French Quarter.   The Mardi Gras celebration was in full swing, and the streets were alive with activity.  
    She was thrilled by a parade of elaborate floats, passing along on Bourbon Street .   Golden coins and strings of beads were tossed out to those who clamored for them on the sidewalks.   Maria had been prepared for this, but the crowds were much thicker than she had expected.   The week of celebration had just begun.
    By this time, all of her worries had fallen away.   It was all so exciting, the French Quarter during Mardi Gras .   The exotic aromas, the color, the life, the flamboyance of the people who had come there to enjoy themselves.   It was a kaleidoscope of bustling activity, and yet, the jostling of the crowds unnerved her in a way she might not have felt if she had someone to share her enthusiasm.   It was almost too much for her to comprehend.
    That is how Maria Jones came to be sitting by herself in a chair at the Café Du Monde, shifting the red-feathered Mardi Gras mask onto her forehead as she sipped the rich New Orleans coffee.   Her feeling of mortification at being an imposter at the