Chapter 2 A Midnight kiss

CHAPTER TWO

The Lady's eyes fluttered closed as the stranger's lips brushed against hers. The gentle touch sent shivers down her spine.

Her heart raced, and her thoughts swirled.

She felt weightless, lost in the sensation.

The man's lips were soft, warm, and inviting. Her drunken haze melted away, replaced by a sweet, tingling awareness.

She couldn't resist, couldn't think. Her lips parted, and the man's tongue teased hers.

A soft moan escaped her throat. The man's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer .His kiss deepened, but he struggled to maintain control. He knew she was intoxicated. He shouldn't take advantage. But the Lady's sweet, yielding lips were irresistible.

Her moan urged him on. He wanted more.

More of her. More of this. But he forced himself to slow down. To savor the moment. To cherish her innocence. The lady's hands drifted up, tangling in his hair. She felt alive, free. Her shyness forgotten. The kiss awakened a hunger within her. A hunger she couldn't understand. But couldn't deny. As they broke apart, gasping for air. Her eyes met his and her cheeks flushed.Her lips swollen from the tense kiss. Her heart pounding.

"More," she whispered. The man's eyes blazed with desire. He knew he had to stop. But his body screamed for more.

And more they shall get!

Outside the ballroom, Suzanne paced anxiously, her gaze fixed on the entrance, awaiting her Lady's emergence.

"Where is she?" Suzanne whispered, her concern growing with each passing minute.

Hours ticked by, and Suzanne's unease intensified. She glanced at her pocket watch, her eyes widening in alarm.

Only few minutes remained before her Lady's family returned from this very ball. Suzanne dreaded the consequences if they discovered her secret attendance.

Suzanne slipped into the ballroom, her eyes scanning the crowded room with a mix of discretion and urgency. She wished she had worn a mask to conceal her own identity, feeling vulnerable without the anonymity.

Weaving through the sea of elegantly dressed guests, Suzanne searched for her Lady's familiar figure. The music and laughter swirled around her, but her focus remained fixed on finding her lady.

Unsuccessful in her search, Suzanne made her way to the ladies' retiring room, hoping she might be refreshing herself. As she entered, she was met with the gentle hum of feminine chatter.

"...and did you see the way he danced with that mysterious lady?" one lady gushed.

"I know, I would die to be in her shoes!" another exclaimed. "That domino mask only adds to his allure."

Suzanne's ears perked up, intrigued despite herself.

"But dear, her dance steps were atrocious!" a third lady chimed in, giggling.

"Yet, he taught her so gracefully," the first lady countered. "Who is she, do you think?"

Suzanne's curiosity piqued, but she knew the gossip didn't concern her. She had to find her.

Excusing herself, Suzanne slipped out of the ladies' room and resumed her search. The ballroom seemed to grow larger, the crowds more impenetrable.

"Where could she be?"

Suzanne's anxiety mounted, her heart racing with every passing moment.

Her ears picked up a faint, distressing sound – muffled, yet unmistakable.

She followed the noise to a secluded room, her heart sinking.

Inside, she found her slumped on a sofa, her elegant gown rumpled.

Her hair was disheveled, her face pale. She was vomiting into a nearby basin.

Suzanne rushed to her side.

"Milady! Oh! dear!" She whispered urgently. She lifted her head, eyes unfocused.

"Suzanne...help me."

Suzanne supported her, holding her steady.

"We must leave – now."

With gentle efficiency, Suzanne cleaned her lady's face. She guided her through the crowded ballroom.

Avoiding eye contact, Suzanne expertly navigated them past the lady's family as she ensured no one to recognizes them especially the lady in this state.

Finally, they reached the carriage.

Suzanne helped her inside.

The driver, aware of the situation, asked no questions. As the carriage rolled away, Suzanne cradled her lady's head.

"We're safe now," Suzanne soothed.

The Lady's eyes fluttered closed. Suzanne held her close as the city streets blurred outside.

*****************************

Morning light crept through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on the Lady's face.

She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.

A wave of nausea washed over her.

Her head throbbed, a relentless drumbeat.

Suzanne stood beside her bed, warm smile on her face.

"Good morning, milady."

The Lady groggily sat up. Suzanne handed her a glass of water.

"Drink this, milady. You'll feel better."she sipped the water.

Suzanne went to her wardrobe and began to rummaged through it. She brought a dress and the Lady's eyes widen in panic.

" No! Don't even think of it!" She exclaimed,

The memory of last night's ball still lingered, where the relentless tightening of her corset had left her breathless, her lungs straining against the rigid fabric.

She cherished her practical clothing, which liberated her from the suffocating grip of corsets and cumbersome skirts.

Suzanne chuckled and placed the pant and shirt,the usual Lady Mirabelle Worthington's style. She tapped her fingers on the chair in front of dressing table and beckoned her to sit for makeover

She gently applied a light dusting of powder to conceal the dark circles beneath her eyes. A soft blush warmed Mirabelle's pale cheeks.

Suzanne helped Mirabelle into her androgynous style of loose -fitting, white linen shirt with billowy sleeves and well fitted, floor length,breeches made of fine wool pant while matching with black leather riding boots. Suzanne handed Mirabelle a warm bowl.

"Hangover soup, milady. Eat slowly."Mirabelle took tentative sips. The savory broth soothed her stomach as Suzanne styled Mirabelle's hair. Soft curls framed her face.

Mirabelle cherished Suzanne's unwavering dedication. She felt grateful for Suzanne's thoughtfulness, especially after last night's escapades.

"Suzie, I don't know what I'd do without you," Mirabelle said, her voice filled with emotion.

Suzanne smiled warmly. "You'll never have to find out, milady."