Cassandra stared blankly out the passenger-side window of her limo, more than a little aware that she was going to be late for the festivities tonight. Sighing deeply, she pictured what her father would say if he had any idea that she had left the house less than thirty minutes early; especially for such a prestigious event.
How could she possibly have left any earlier though when her favorite romance novel was nowhere to be found? Having been searching for it all the way up until fifteen minutes before the party, it was almost as if the little pink book she now held in her hand was determined to not be read that night. 

The road became bumpier as they approached a turnpike in the road, transitioning from rough gravel to a very long, clean-looking driveway. Cassandra lifted her head from admiring the fine, golden borders of her book to look outside. The Wilcock Manor was a magnificently large estate and she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by its sheer size alone.

The limo stopped at the end of the driveway and she heard her door open as her escort offered his hand for her to take in getting out. She politely accepted the offer, the other hand holding onto the bottom of her long, lavender colored ball gown. Her father always told her that appearance is everything, so to arrive at a ball with a mere speck of dirt adorning her would be simply unforgivable in her father's eyes. She nodded at her limo driver, signalling that it was okay for him to leave now, and watched the bright white car make its way back down the long, winding driveway. 

She trudged awkwardly up the steps, nervousness eating at her like a parasite in her stomach. Never before had she attended such an important event in the place of her father, so to be here alone was deeply nerve-wracking. Clutching her book to her chest, she took a deep breath and started walking up the steps. The door to the house was incredibly intimidating, and she wasn't entirely sure if she was supposed to knock, so she simply opened it and stepped in. 

Immediately what most have been twenty different sensations hit her at once. From the tantilizing aromas of food cooking in the kitchen, to the quaint, upbeat music in the background; there was no doubt that a party was being held. All around her people were chipping and chattering on about their livelihoods, each person seeming to want to outdo the other in some pompous game of wealth. However uninteresting and honestly; self-degrading, these topics felt to her,however, she knew that as the daughter to the owner of Welsh Enterprises she wouldn't be able to avoid this particular conversation topic. 

She had only attended the Wilcock's Masquerade party once before, and even then her father did most of the talking so she was able to just sit quietly with her book and read the whole night. Now she had to actually talk to people and-- she shuddered at the thought-- [b][i][color=ed1c24]socialize.[/color][/i][/b] The Wilcock's and Welsh's had known each other for years now and it was important that she made a good impression in her father's absence. Anxiety once again bit into her stomach, discomfort leeching its way into her when she realized that she was just standing in the middle of the entrance hall. 

Cassandra quickly collected herself as she noticed that there were a small group of older-looking people staring at her in what must have been obvious distaste for her late arrival. She smiled and bowed her head cordially to them before quickly making her way towards a crowd more her speed. Walking directly past the dance floor, she noticed a boy and girl around her age talking to each other. It appeared as though he was asking her for a dance. She stared on at them for a few moments longer, wondering why they seemed so familiar, when realization struck her. Of course! It was Simon Wilcock, son to the prestigious Wilcock estate and whom she presumed to be host tonight. Embaressment flushing her face as she realized she had been looking at them for well over a minute she quickly pulled her lavender colored mask out of her purse and lifted it to her face. Hopefully that would hide some of the red. 

She took a seat near the dance floor, tucking her dress underneath of her as she sat down before pulling out her little pink book and eagerly delving into its pages.