Moriah linked arms with Grace, ushering her down the stairs. Upon seeing their fast descent, the butler quickened his stride to open the door. They practically ran toward Moriah’s carriage as the footman offered his hand to assist them.
“What I have planned for us tonight is not something that your all-too-mischievous sister should be anywhere near. Good heavens, it would ruin any chance of her being received in the best of homes, let alone a decent offer of marriage.” Moriah’s answer was alarming, but her impish look challenged Grace to argue.
“Dare I ask what you have in store for us this evening, Mrs. Hernshaw?” A feeling of both dread and anticipation rolled in the pit of Grace’s stomach.
Moriah adjusted her gown and settled herself in the carriage before raising a brow from Grace’s cheeky tone. “We are about to have an adventure,” she replied with a short chortle.
Moriah’s green eyes danced with excitement, but it was her quirky grin that worried Grace. She laughed along with her but knew the woman could be quite brazen when in pursuit of entertainment.
Grace tapped her friend on the chest with one finger. “Just where you are taking me and why all the subterfuge?”
“Here.” Moriah handed Grace a box tied with a pretty violet ribbon.
“For me? But my birthday is still several months away.”
“Can I not give my friend a present? Besides, you shall need it where we are going.”
Grace opened the box to see a mask hidden between the protective sheets of linen. Purple. Moriah just knew she would love anything if it included her favorite color.
“Are we going to a masquerade?” she inquired suspiciously.
Her friend pulled forth one of her own. She began twirling it around by the ribbon. “A spur of the moment decision, I assure you, Grace. I was lucky to get my hands on these last two tickets from a friend, including a supper box. He plans to meet me there.”
“Should I bother to ask whom are you meeting?”
“The Marquis of Aldridge. A simply divine man if I ever met one. Do you know him?” Moriah inquired.
Grace drew her brows together, puzzled. “I am not acquainted with him.”
“You would remember him if you had been introduced. Quite the reputation with the ladies, which makes him all the more attractive.”
“Honestly, Moriah, I find it hard to understand how you can go from protector to protector as you do and enjoy it so much.”
Moriah gave a heavy sigh. “Do not be fooled by outside appearances, dear, and be thankful you have your own money and a brother to protect your interests. Not every widow is as fortunate.”
 by Sherry Ewing "Pinterest")
