Scarlet Masquerade Read Free Page B

wonder why you stood so quickly. Please,” Alexandra said, as Clarissa watched her glance around the room, obviously uncomfortable with Clarissa’s response.
    “So, Mademoiselle Dumonte, please tell me you are not Monsieur De Marcus’s new engagement.”
    “Engagement?” Clarissa looked over at the arrogant man Alexandra was referring to.
    “Yes, engagement. Monsieur De Marcus has quite the reputation as a ladies’ man and you seem rather, well, let us just say you don’t seem to be his usual type.” Alexandra looked directly at Clarissa, making her blush.
    “I am sure I don’t know what you mean, Madame Locke but —”
    “Please, call me Alexandra. The other is so formal. Besides, be honest. Monsieur De Marcus is so…well, he is a cad and you don’t seem to be in need of a cad. Am I right?”
    Blushing, Clarissa turned to her napkin and placed it on her lap, picking at a thread that had come loose. Before she could say another word, Monsieur De Marcus patted her on the forearm sitting next to her.
    “Ah, Clarissa, I see you have met Madame Locke,” he said, nodding in Alexandra’s direction.
    “Madame Locke.” Curtly acknowledging Alexandra, he placed a possessive hand on Clarissa’s, which had come to rest on her lap. Clarissa jerked her hands from his grasp and scooted towards Alexandra without realizing it. “Alexandra has quite the racy past, Clarissa. Careful, it’s said she loathes men since her husband died.”
    “Things are not always as they seem, Monsieur De Marcus. You of all people should know how people talk. If we were to listen to them, then one would think you are a dastardly cad that uses women whom are never to be seen again,” Alexandra bantered back.
    Clarissa watched as Alexandra became more animated in the conversation with her date. Alexandra’s stunning features captivated Clarissa. She had never seen such blue eyes before and she felt drawn to them, almost mesmerized. She felt a hand draw her back into the conversation before she realized she had been staring at Alexandra the whole time.
    “Don’t worry, my dear. Monsieur De Marcus and I have a long, long history together. He is only jealous that I did not fall for his charms years ago.”
    Alexandra’s touch sent a chill through Clarissa. To quell the tingling in her fingertips, Clarissa clasped her hands tighter together. Turning toward her date, she watched him flash a feral grin. A definite chill had settled in the room and she felt as if she was the prey between two fighting dogs.
    “Please accept my apologies, Mademoiselle Dumonte. I will seek other seating arrangements for dinner. I don’t want to ruin your evening.”
    With that, Alexandra was at the head table discussing new seating arrangements with the host. Quickly, she was replaced with a rather portly gentleman who had been enjoying too much wine and reeked of his overindulgence. Clarissa watched as Alexandra sat next to a younger man who was obviously happy with the new seating arrangements, as he rose to seat Alexandra in her spot. Alexandra nodded and rendered a smile to Clarissa, who was shaken by a sudden jealousy, while she watched Alexandra engage the young man with a sweet laugh at something that was said between them.
    After dinner, the only thing Clarissa wanted was fresh air and a quiet spot. Sitting between the two men had been an exercise in feigned enjoyment. On one side, one man sat and talked incessantly of himself. On the other side, one had belched non-stop throughout dinner, without the decency of apologizing. It made her want to retch, since he often did it right in her face while talking to her. As they rose to retreat to the parlor for dancing, Clarissa begged her date’s apologies, informing him that she needed to freshen up before dancing. When he rose to escort her, she explained that she knew the way and that he should take the opportunity to mix with the other gentlemen. Clarissa knew full well Monsieur De Marcus would corner