<div style="text-align: justify;">The Allerton home - Day of the masquerade<br/><br/>The days before the masquerade had been busy ones in the household. Clothing, setting up, food, drink and music - there was a lot to be taken care of for a perfect evening, after all. Even if it was to be a small affair - and even if one of the people invited was someone Marianne would not want around her -, the family had a reputation to maintain, and receiving well was a part of it.<br/><br/>In the days prior to the masquerade, Marianne had taken the time to write to each of the women who would be present and inquire after what color dress they were wearing. She did so as to make sure that no two ladies would wear the same color. Luckily for her, no changes had needed to be requested. <br/><br/>When the day finally came, Marianne was wearing a pink dress - her favorite color - and a mask to match it was held in her left hand as she stood at the entrance hall with Angus. As the hosts, they had to be on the door to greet everyone, after all.<br/><br/>After the first couple - Lord and Lady Barron - came in, being greeted politely and led in for refreshments, Marianne and Angus returned to their spot. The next person to arrive was Victoria. It took all Marianne had not to throw that harlot out of her house. She had to be a good hostess, after all. There was a reputation to keep. Therefore, Marianne took a deep breath and did the same she had done to the previous arrivals - trying to ignore the fact that those couple weeks had been enough to make Victoria look certainly to be with child. And she looked so proud of herself, Marianne could have killed her with her bare hands.<br/><br/>Once she had left Victoria with Lady Barron to have some refreshments, Marianne returned to her position and waited for the rest of the guests to come in.</div>