Scarlet Masquerade Read Online Free

another young woman as soon as she was gone. Turning, she quickly made her way out through a set of doors, not caring where they led, as long as it was outside. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she made her way to a balustrade that edged the porch. She was far enough out of sight to be missed. Yet, close enough that if someone came looking, she would see them first.
    Clarissa leaned back against the bulk of the ornate balustrade and reached behind with her hands, balancing herself. She let her head slowly roll back and took a deep breath. The warm night air hung with perfumed wisteria that was in full bloom. It felt good to relax and enjoy the quiet of the evening, even if it was for a short time. Soon, she would be home and in bed wishing she had never accepted her father’s suggestion of a date with Monsieur De Marcus.
    Clarissa practically jumped off the porch when she heard the low rumble in her ear.
    “You know, you should be careful out here unprotected, Mademoiselle.”
    Clarissa could barely make out the silhouette of a person standing in the shadows.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was out here. I didn’t mean to intrude on your privacy.”
    “Please, don’t apologize. I was only enjoying the evening, as you were.” Alexandra came out from the shadows slowly and stood next to Clarissa. She was close enough to recognize the perfume, hints of honeysuckle.
    “Besides, I am sure you are ready to slit your wrists after having to sit between two remarkable specimens of the male species. So, you need the quiet more than I do,” she said, as she turned to go back inside.
    “Please, wait. Don’t go…I mean, you don’t have to go in just because I am here. The porch is big enough for two, or more.”
    It was a good thing it was dark out. The blush that seemed to accompany a conversation with Alexandra was creeping its way back up Clarissa’s neck again. Without looking, she could feel Alexandra’s eyes on her. The thought made her shiver. Clarissa told herself it was the thought of talking to an unaccompanied woman that made her curious. It was rare in Parisian society that women went to parties unescorted. It was thought to be in bad taste. The idea that a woman couldn’t get a man to escort her meant something was wrong. She should stay home and be thought of as respectable. The fact that Madame Locke did not stay home intrigued Clarissa. At least that’s what she told herself. No, there was something more about Madame Locke, but Clarissa couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
    The silence between the two was almost deafening as Clarissa was startled back to reality by an owl flying by.
    “Ah, we seem to have company.”
    Clarissa looked around and didn’t see anyone.
    “Excuse me, but I don’t see anyone.”
    “The owl. Don’t you hear him?” Leaning in, she whispered into Clarissa’s ear, “There, don’t you hear him?”
    Alexandra’s nearness was overwhelming Clarissa and she took a step back, only to be stopped by the balustrade behind her.
    “Relax, you aren’t for dinner tonight….” Hearing a squeak, Alexandra continued, “…the mouse, he is dinner.”
    Clarissa felt a wave wash over her as she inhaled Alexandra’s perfume. Relaxing against the bulk of the balcony, she turned to see Alexandra staring at her again. She returned the gaze, determined not to weaken under the intense scrutiny. Her gaze roamed over Alexandra’s face. She noticed a smile meander across Alexandra’s lips and teeth, oddly reflecting the moon’s light. A tingle ran down her spine as she watched Alexandra run her tongue along her top lip.
    “Well, I have kept you too long. Your date will wonder where you have gone off to. Perhaps we can have lunch sometime, Mademoiselle Dumonte? Next week, before I leave for my summer home in Italy.” Alexandra reached down and clasped Clarissa’s hand, caressing it before lowering it. “But, then again, I will understand if your date has influenced you