Chapter Twenty
What is a party without drinking, gossip, and a little bit of heartbreak? I do not doubt that Miss Penelope Hayes' masquerade will have an overwhelming amount of all three. This is Manhattan after all and aren't we all looking forward to seeing the outcome of an event such as this?
- From the New-York News of the World Gazette, February, 24th 1902
"Hey, it's okay. No one knows who you are. In fact, no one knows who anyone is here," Elizabeth's sooth voice said.
"I know you're right, but I can't help but worry about this. What if someone recognizes me? It would just turn into a huge mess," Diana replied with her eyes closed tightly.
"Well if you're going to be like that all night don't expect to enjoy yourself." She sighed for she knew her sister was right. This was the first public outing she had had since she had arrived in New York several weeks ago. For days she had been excited for this event, but as soon as she and the Cuttings got here, she wanted nothing but hide back in her sister's home.
"Please, just open your eyes," Elizabeth said as she took Diana's hand. She nodded then proceeded to do so.
"Oh my," she said making Elizabeth laugh. They were standing in Miss Hayes' foyer, surrounded by several people who were moving their way towards the music in the ballroom. Everyone was dressed in newly purchased gowns and coats that just screamed expensive. No one was without a highly elaborate mask decorated with either glitter or feathers or both. Diana could not remember the last time she had been to a masquerade and as she observed how thrilled and happy everyone was, it only sparked back her own excitement.
"Are you ready yet?" Diana looked over at her sister and smiled. Elizabeth was wearing her own new silver ball gown. Her matching gloves went to her elbows and from her wrists hung diamond covered bracelets. Similar accessories dangled from her ears and neck, telling the world she came from money. But not even Diana could recognize Elizabeth, who hid behind a blue and green stained mask that was made to resemble the feathers of a peacock. She looked gorgeous.
"I think so," she replied and with that, she was practically drug across the room by her older sister. When they got to the doorway, they were welcomed by an explosion of laughter and music coming from the busy crowd in front of them. Diana was surprised by how many people had actually showed to this event, especially after the blizzard that just ripped through Manhattan, leaving many locked in their homes. But then again, this was the first major event since the storm and she was sure people were eager to get back to their normal routines of gossiping. Tonight would be no exception.
"Are you going to be alright if I go look for Teddy?" Elizabeth asked. When they first got here, he had gone ahead inside while Elizabeth stayed back with Diana to calm her down. She was incredibly embarrassed by her actions, it wasn't even that bad.
"I'll be just fine," Diana answered while she waved off her sister, "if I see him first I will tell him you are looking for him." Elizabeth smiled.
"Thank you," she said before disappearing into the dense crowd. As Diana stood alone near the entrance of the room, she scanned the faces of all the people she could see, trying to recognize any one she could. She quickly realized that it was a lot harder than she thought would be. This also calmed her down a bit, if it was hard for her to identify anyone behind their masks than it was going to be nearly impossible for anyone to point her out. Especially since no one would expect the lost Holland girl to show up on this night to a masquerade. As a waiter walked by, she plucked a drink off his tray and began to sip the champagne from the glass.
"What is a stunning woman like yourself standing all alone far away from everyone else," a voice came from behind her. She grinned for she instantly knew who it was.
"Can't a girl enjoy a drink without engaging in a conversation?" she stated back.
"Well that would be a very rare occurrence don't you think," the man said just as he placed a hand on her waist, pulling her back to him so that their bodies were touching.
"It's not that rare in France sir. Women can enjoy a drink without being accompanied by a man or a friend."
"Well I am sorry sweetheart but this is New York. We do things a little different here," he spoke into her neck, his breath ever so warm against her bare skin.
"Mr. Schoonmaker you better watch yourself. As the most eligible bachelor in this city, people are bound to talk. You are already beginning to turn heads."
"They aren't looking at me. They are trying to figure out who this mysterious woman is that I am with," Henry whispered in her ear.
"I thought I told you that I didn't want anyone knowing I was here tonight," Diana replied.
"They will never figure out it is you. Now, will you accompany me to the dance floor?" Diana turned around to see him. The mask he wore was a dark gray, making his eyes shine even brighter. She couldn't say no to those eyes.
"It would be my pleasure," she whispered and then smiled. With that, Henry offered Diana his arm and she took it, following him through the crowd and out onto the crowded dance floor. The two arrived just as the band finished a song which was followed by the loud noise of the guests clapping. The performers bowed and when they stood again, they began to play another upbeat tune. Henry put a hand on Diana's waist and her right hand in his other.
"Are you ready," he asked smoothly.
"Only if you are," she said back as she rested her left hand on his shoulder. He smiled and then moved her into a rhythmic step that she was all too accustomed to. As they moved around the dance floor, Diana couldn't help but notice a few women starring at them with their jealous eyes. But she didn't care, she wasn't going to let anyone's dirty looks ruin this moment for her. She was a very lucky girl for many women would love to be caught dancing with Henry Schoonmaker
"You look beautiful tonight," he told her with a smile.
"Well you clean up pretty nice too," she returned the compliment, "thank you though." He nodded but the smile never faded from his face and she was glad to be the reason why it was there. For awhile they danced in silence, making Diana feel like they were the only two in the room. She was happy with him, happier than she ever was in France. The way he looked at her made her realize that. She hoped someday she would have the courage to let the world know they were meant to be together and not have to sneak around in order to see one another.
"Do you recognize that man over there?" Henry asked breaking up Diana's thought.
"Where at?" she responded looking over her shoulder.
"Behind me," he said, "the one dancing with the girl in the light blue gown. I am sure that is Penelope." The sound of her name made the hair on Diana's neck stand up but she looked anyway. When she spotted them, her eyes went directly to the man. He was tall, broad shouldered, with dark black hair. Diana thought he looked familiar but she couldn't bring a name to him. As if he knew she was looking, the man turned his attention to her and for a moment, the two locked eyes. After he offered a toothless grin, she turned back to Henry and shook her head.
"I can't say I know him," Diana said and Henry shrugged.
"Well the only reason I asked is because he keeps looking at you."
"He does?"
"Yeah but can you blame him?" Henry asked just as the song slowly came to an end. Diana glanced back at the man who was just now bowing to Penelope who was laughing as she curtsied. She turned her attention back to Henry who was starting to clap for the band.
"He was probably trying to figure out who I was," she said as she clapped. The music started up again, this time a little slower. Henry took Diana's hand and kissed it gently. He opened his mouth to speak but he was cut off by another man's voice.
"May I have this dance?" he asked with his French accent, making Diana and Henry turn to him. The man they had just been talking about was now standing directly in front of her but he was looking at Henry, as if asking his permission to dance with her. Diana looked back at Henry as he nodded to the stranger.
"Of course, as long its okay with her," he said. When Diana looked back, the mysterious man extended a hand towards her and reluctantly, she took it.
"One dance never hurt anyone," she told him, "I'll find you later." And with that Henry was gone, leaving her alone with a man she didn't know.
"Shall we?" he asked as he placed a hand on her waist.
"Why not?" she quietly said as she followed him into the rhythmic dance step. For awhile, they didn't say anything for Diana didn't know what she should say. This was never a problem for her before but she was years out of practice.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," the man finally said.
"Well it has been awhile since I have been to one of these so you could say that I am having a good time. Are you not?"
"It just like any other American party," he replied looking down into her eyes. Now that she was up close, Diana noticed they were a stunning green, she only knew of one man whose eyes were that color.
"Are enjoying seeing everyone again?" he asked bringing her closer to himself.
"What do you mean?"
"I was told you truly missed everyone while you were away for so long."
"Excuse me?" Diana said with fear growing inside her. Was he on to her?
"Don't worry Miss Holland, your secret is safe with me," he said without his French accent, making him sound completely American. But Diana knew the voice, she knew the eyes, she knew this man all too well.
"What are you doing here," she asked with anger in her voice.
"I came to get what is rightfully mine," Dillon said. Diana was not about to take this so she pushed him away from her.
"Come on Di-" he started to say.
"Don't even start," she snapped at him before leaving the dance floor. She knew he wasn't going to give up that easy and she felt his presence follow her. Diana made her way to the balcony doors on the far side of the room for she needed the fresh air. When she arrived at them, she forcefully pushed them open, letting all the cold air rush inside. She walked out onto the balcony just as Dillon opened the doors for himself.
"What on earth made you think it was okay for you to come here?" she asked with her back to him. She didn't want to see him.
"I am doing what Henry fellow should have done for you a year ago. I am not about to let you slip through my fingers," he pleaded as he took a few steps towards her.
"This is different," she said with frustration. He didn't know when to stop.
"How?" he asked, "I think deep down you know you want me just as much as I want you."
"I think you have mistaking my feelings towards you," she said turning to him. His mask was off now, revealing the face of a man she once called her best friend. Even the moonlight, Diana could see how desperate he was. He was trying to be a hero to someone that didn't want to be saved.
"Diana why won't you just give us a chance," he said taking a step towards her.
"Because I don't feel the same way you do!" she exclaimed, "I have told you this before!"
"So you are telling me that you are not attracted to me at all?" he asked but Diana remained silent. She turned away from him for she was beginning to cry. As much as she tried she couldn't stop the tears from falling but they weren't because she was sad but because she was angry.
"You don't know when to stop do you?" she asked looking back at him and he smiled.
"It's a problem I have," he laughed.
"Well fix it!" she snapped as she wiped her eyes.
"Oh Di," he said with a concerned look on his face. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. She didn't push him away for she didn't know what to do. This was the very man who was making her feel all this anger and frustration and yet she still felt safe in his arms. He will always be a friend to her, she couldn't deny that.
"Here," he said and without her protest, he pulled the ribbon that held her mask to face and untied it. The glittery mask fell to the ground, revealing the tear stained face it once hid.
"Someone going to see," she said.
"No they won't," he said pushing her chin up to face so she would look at him. He then moved his face closer.
"Don't do this Dillon," Diana said with her deep red lips.
"Stop me," he challenged her but it was too late. He quickly closed the gap between them and laid his lips on top of hers. Diana was shocked but didn't move. It's was like she forgot how. His lips were so warm against her own. Kissing him felt so safe, too safe. But before she could pull away on her own, the two of them were interrupted by the sound of an opening door. Diana then pulled away to see to look at the source of the noise.
"Well well well, if it isn't the missing Holland girl," Penelope said with a smirk. She was standing in the open door way letting the sounds of the party reach them outside.
"Penelope-" Diana started to say but she put her hand up to stop her.
"How long did you really think you could stay hidden?"
"This isn't necessary Penny," Dillon said surprising the two women. Penny? Diana thought to herself.
"And who do you think you are? Diana's newest catch?" Penelope said just a Dillon took a step towards her. As soon as he did, Diana watched the color from her face quickly disappear.
"Dillon?" she asked and he nodded. Penelope didn't even stay for an explanation, for she ran back into the ballroom. Dillon turned back to Diana and shrugged.
"Do you know her?" she asked moving towards the door.
"We have history yes," he said catching her as she tried to squeeze by.
"Dillon let me go," she said trying to wiggle her way free.
"Just stay with me," he said holding on tighter.
"We are finished here," she tried to say but he wouldn't listen. Finally, she stomped on his foot with her own, making his grip weaken. It gave her just enough time to escape and run back into the ballroom. As soon as she entered the doors, she realized she forgot her mask out on the balcony and everyone else in the room noticed it too. She felt dozens of pairs of eyes watching her while they began to whisper her name. She had never felt more uncomfortable in her life. She started to walk into the crowd but the sound of people whispers just got louder. Some people even reached out to her as if they thought she wasn't real.
"Diana!" a familiar voice rose above the rest. She didn't have time to turn around before Henry grabbed her hand and began to drag her thought the crowd.
"Let's get you out of here," he said moving towards the door.
"What about Elizabeth and Teddy," she asked as they got closer.
"They need to figure some things out," he said not looking back at her. The two broke into the foyer, working against the people who were just now arriving. They didn't even take time to retrieve their coats for Henry was in a hurry to leave. When they got outside, they stopped and waited for his driver.
"What do you mean they need to figure things out?" she asked him and the look he gave her told her it wasn't good.
"Elizabeth caught Teddy with Scarlet," he told her looking down. Diana couldn't say anything; she just put her hand over her mouth. It was then she realized she was no better than Teddy for she was just kissing another man. She wasn't even sure she was really with Henry but even if she wasn't she still felt guilty.
"Henry," she started but he stopped her by quickly hugging her.
"I am so glad you're here Di," he said into her shoulder. His statement started up her tears again, this time falling faster.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," she replied. What she said was true but she couldn't stop thinking about how much of a terrible person she was.