I. Glossy Lips And Hidden Secrets
Not Everything Is Hidden Behind Silk Fans And Closed Doors.
Miss Massie Elizabeth Block- The only daughter of Kendra and William Block with her glossy brown curls and amber eyes, Massie used to be queen of New York society. Until a scandal with Derrick Harrington got her sent to London for two years. Now she's back to regain her throne.
Miss Alicia Catalina Rivera- Considered "new money" among the wealthy folk and often snubbed because of her Spanish heritage. Determined to show them that she has what it takes to be queen of New York society even if it means ruining someone else's life.
Miss Kristen Michelle Gregory-Gets the thrilled and fame of being the daughter of a famous artist that could rival Leonardo Da Vinci. But when she is announced that her wealth and position are in jeopardy there might be only one escape: marriage.
Miss Dylan Anne Marvil- With a famous gossip columnist as a mother and two beautiful older sisters Dylan has always been left in the shadows. Now it's up to the youngest Marvil to make her own destiny.
Miss Claire Stacy Lyons- Is used to being the poor girl from a small farmer town in Florida until she gets the opportunity to stay with her rich cousins. For how long can she play the role of the little rich miss?
Mr. Derrick Harrington-Heir to an oil fortune and he was involved in a scandal with Massie Block two years ago. He is determined to win her back even if he loses his fortune.
Mr. Cam Fisher-is under pressure from his parents to marry, but he is tired of these pretty girls in masks. Can he find a sweet innocent girl?
Mr. James Webster-A newcomer from England that arrives with Massie.
Mr. Dempsey Solomon-Back from Europe for the summer season. He is made fun of for helping the poor, but there is one girl who sees him for what he really is.
Mr. and Mrs. William Block
Request the pleasure of your company on the evening of
May 31st, eight o'clock in honor of their daughter:
Miss Massie Elizabeth Block
436 East Street. Manhattan, New York.
1890
Eighteen year old Massie Block's diamond earrings hit her slightly on her smooth white cheek as the carriage rode on through the streets of New York. They were just a few minutes away from Fifth Avenue and Central Park where Massie and other wealthy families lived. She had just arrived from the boat, the St. Mary's, and she couldn't wait to change out of the stuffy, sea smelling clothes that she was wearing
Even though Massie had been away for two years nothing had really changed. There were still children playing in Central Park, nannies talking, and high society ladies drinking tea while at the same time peeking with eager little eyes behind their fans in hope that somebody would make a complete fool of themselves.
Massie sighed nothing had changed since she left New York when she was sixteen or driven out. People had eyes and all eyes were on her.
"You ok, Miss Block?"
Massie turned to the side to look at James Webster. James was tall with dark, wavy hair and brown eyes and had been one of the first people she had meet in London.
"Quite well, Mr. Webster." she replied in a clipped tone as she fixed the ribbon of her straw hat. "I'm just a little tired."
"Call me James, Massie." James told her as he squeezed her gloved hand. "We are to be man and wife at the end of the summer season after all."
Massie forced a smile, but suddenly her pale, yellow dress was too tight in the summer heat.
She was engaged. She was suppose to be a September bride and marry James Webster the III and return to London so that James could take care of his family business.
Her parents were thrilled with the engagement. But there was one problem: Massie wasn't in love with him.
"I don't know," Alicia Rivera frowned into her reflection. Her olive skin was blemish free and her dark eyes look big and innocent. "Is it too high?" she asked motioning to her large hairstyle that was decorated with red feathers and pearls.
"Nonsense, Miss Rivera." the hairdressers insisted as he handed her the gold mirror. "It's the very latest style in Paris. I assure you there will be no one at that ball as beautiful as you."
That did it.
Alicia's recently painted glossy red lips pulled into a smirk.
She nodded. "That will do. Mother will pay you on the way out."
There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Alicia was a very pretty eighteen year old girl. Especially now. With her extravagant hairdo and petite frame dressed in a red silk dress that made Alicia feel very Spanish.
Alicia had been born in Spain, but had moved to New York when she was thirteen and her father had inherited a fortune. They were still "new money" according to old aristocrat families, but Alice was determined to prove them wrong.
Within five years she had turned from an awkward, ugly duckling to a beautiful swan.
Alicia picked up the ivory colored invitation that had arrived days before. Massie Block. Alicia's best friend and rival.
She hadn't spoken to Massie since "the scandal."
With one last fluff of her hair she grabbed her evening wrap and walked out the door.
-End of Chapter One-