Sorry for the chapter being so short! I already have so much written, but I really wanted to post something.
Catherine fidgeted with the sleeve of her gown where she felt her hidden knife, concealed in a pocket. What was she doing? Did she decide to go up in arms against an ancient powerful organization for the sake of her anger and grief? For a chance to have revenge?
Her mother's death and the innocent people who suffered that day. The story of what the artifacts could do shouldn't belong in the hands of evil men like Haytham and Charles Lee.
She shook it off, she was over thinking. It was so simple.
Enter the party, mingle with the guest to blend. Then like a flash in the night, the two of them slip away to get into Edward Shippen office.
She would approach Shay or Haytham, assuming if the Templars are there.
If everything goes well, leave the party in the carriage. If the plan does not, flee the property to get to the safe point where Connor would be waiting for them with horses.
"Catherine are you ready for this?" James asked as peeked out the window of the carriage. They had arrived on the property. An outstretched gravel road laid ahead of the carriage. At the end of the path where it curved was a beautiful house.
From Catherine's entail, this was the Shippen countryside estate the family owned. Where Edward Shippen conducted most of his Templar business. It was mind-boggling that one family could own two homes.
The carriage slowed to a stop where a fine dressed servant opened for the door. James went into his pocket to produce their 'invitation.' As they walked up the steps to the front door.
"I had a last-minute change of guest," Another servant who stood at the podium with a guest book in view. James changed his tone of voice to sound posher.
"Of course, Master Jacob Marks, your fiancé was supposed to be in attendance. Cosette Dorian. Who is your new guest?" He was not phased by the change of guest.
"Catherine Cormac," James nodded towards Catherine who hung on his arm. He was unsure about this but trusted her judgment.
"You may enter, enjoy your evening." He wrote Catherine's name into the book under the scratch-off the name of Cosette's.
Catherine kept her appearance as she wrapped her arm around his. She let out a sigh of a relief as they waltzed into the manor. Another servant waited to take Catherine's silver cloak that kept out the cold. She pulled off her gloves and handed it over as well. While James took off his outer coat and hat. He was careful to not show his pistol, even though it was obvious that some of the noblemen were arm with swords. She told James it was isn't practical because the idea was to sneak. He told her not to worry about it, but he seemed to act oddly about it.
James and Catherine took in the place as they were pointed down the hall to the proper room. The room looked like a long hall that was spacious. There was already an over hundred guest in attendance by far the eye could see.
The walls were painted a mint green with expensive paintings and furniture that décor the room. On the righthand side was a set of large panel glass doors that lead out to the gardens where it looked like a bonfire was being set up.
Music was playing by a small band that sat in the corner that allowed the guest to dance too. Servants walked about with a tray of drinks and had a table of snacks out that would tide the guest over till dinner. Catherine had a feeling they would miss that meal. This was more of an expensive taste then what she was using too when she celebrated the 5th of November.
Catherine knew that there was no turning back, so she might as well find herself a drink to calm her nerves. She plucked a glass of red wine off of a tray of a passing servant, which caused James to give her a look.
"What? I am about to speak to my Pa after not seeing him for seven years."
"I doubt he will even show. He might not even expect you to be here." James reassured her.
Catherine had to take a deep breath before letting out. "Your probably right, but we can still enjoy the evening."
"But you still need a clear head."
"Just one, I promise. Besides, this bitter as shit." Catherine made a face when she sipped it. "Templars do like their red wines."
"I am going to look around, why don't you mingle. Be the bell of the ball and step it out." James grinned as a joke while he walked away to try to separate from her. She stood alone in the room with its splendor as she looked around to see if there was a group she could attach herself too. She happened to notice people were starting to stare at her, but mainly young men, attractive young men.
A young woman around her age approached her. She was wearing a bright pink gown with a mask that was covered in flowers. Her hair was golden curls styled in the similar fashion to hers.
"Excuse me, but I don't think we have met." She took off her mask. "I am Margaret Shippen, but you may call me Peggy." She reached out to shake her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you, I am Catherine Cormac." She reached out to shake her hand. "My friend had business to attend too, so here am I alone."
Peggy smiled, "Why don't you come with sit with us, play cards with us."
"Your Edward Shippen's daughter?" Catherine followed her to the corner of the room.
Peggy nodded. "Yes, I am his youngest. If I am guessing your name, Shay Cormac is your father, right?"
Catherine felt uneasy. "Yes, I had no idea he was going to be attending. Is he here?"
"Not yet. I had a peek at the guest list and saw that he and Master Kenway were going to be in attendance." Peggy spoke with delight of the prospect of the grandmaster making an appearance in their home.
The young heiress lead the young Cormac to the table where two others sat. Peggy gave a short introduction while her friends. A gentleman cut a deck and dealt the cards to play. Catherine didn't pay much mind to the game, but she kept her eyes peeled for any sign of the two Templars she would face.
The night carried on without any dismay. James seemed to pop in to see her by changing her drinks. Catherine introduces him as Jacob Marks. He showed his face to make introductions. He would whisper code words that he may of know where the office was. Things were going well.
Peggy smiled at James, "Would you care for a dance?" She asked as she held out her hand. "Lyle can keep your lovely friend company."
"It's alright Jacob, one dance wouldn't hurt with our gracious hostess." Catherine encouraged, there still wasn't a good time to slip to the upstairs especially since there was no sign of her father or master Kenway.
The young man that went by the name of Lyle Smith and from the glance on his left hand. She could see the striking red cross ring. Wasn't there anyone in here that wasn't a templar? He kissed her hand before guiding her to the dance floor. Surprising herself, she took well to the dance floor. Catherine played the part of the charming young woman.