Page 55 of A Troublesome Circumstance

Josephine sighed and started to step aside, but someone bumped her from behind.

“Move out of the way,” a voice snapped.

She stepped quickly aside, muttering, “How rude.”

“Would you care to dance with me?” a smooth male voice asked beside her.

Josephine turned, startled. A masked gentleman stood there, dark hair brushed neatly forward, dressed in superfine evening clothes. His posture was relaxed, but his gaze was intent—almost too intent. Something in the tilt of his head tugged at her memory.

“It depends,” she replied.

“On what?” His lips twitched with amusement.

She turned fully towards him. “If you can answer my questions to my satisfaction.”

“I accept your terms,” he said, bowing slightly. “Ask away.”

She crossed her arms. “Are you a rogue?”

“No.”

“That is precisely what a rogue would say.”

He chuckled. “I can assure you that I am no rogue.”

“Very well. You passed the first test,” she replied. “Second question. Are you a fortune hunter?”

“No. I have my own fortune.”

She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “Do you prefer dogs or cats?” she asked.

“Dogs.”

She clicked her tongue in mock disappointment. “I would have taken you for a cat person.”

“And why is that?” he asked, the smile returning to his lips.

“You are watching me intently, yet appear bored by everything else—as though nothing and no one can quite satisfy you.”

That earned a full, brilliant smile.

“Is it my turn?” he asked, leaning slightly closer.

“For what?”

“Questions,” he replied.

“I suppose that is only fair.”

He regarded her for a moment before asking, “Why are you wearing such an ostentatious mask?”

She lifted her chin. “I think it is quite lovely.”

He glanced towards the dance floor. “It makes me curious as to what you are hiding beneath the mask.”

“I am hiding nothing.”

“Says the young woman who has a mask covering half her face,” he teased. “Are you a spy?”