As Diana walked in the hall she saw Alexander unbuckling a shoe. She decided to leave him alone. Ever since Diana told Alexander that she knew how he felt, Alexander felt increasingly bashful around her. When she tried to get his presence, he slipped away with rose gold face, and timid stance. If she had known that she would be iced out, she never would've told him that she knew the truth. It's not like he was in danger of losing her. They weren't even together. She wondered if he was off put by his discovery of what happened the night Carl died. She seriously hoped not.

Well, that would need to wait for another time. Right now she had to get ready. The ball was tonight, and she had to get ready. After getting her drawers and chemise were on, she pulled up her stockings, and then needed some help as James walk by she motioned him in. She asked James for some fashion tips, and he was kind enough to give her a hand. "I think your ready for your first corset." He said getting one out of the closet. James was comfortable enough to not be embarrassed by helping her get dressed, since he helped his eight other sisters before him. "Let me know if you feel too tight at any point." He grabbed the ribbons and started to pull. "I mean you're pretty slim to begin with." He said pulling it snug. She took a few deep breaths to make sure she could still breathe and James tied it off, putting a corset over overtop.

After putting on a hoop skirt, two petticoats, and a bodice, James placed the skirt on, tying a rose to the side. "So, I heard Alexander fancies you. What a surprise." He laughed sarcastically as he placed her shoes on. She sighed. "Yeah, but I don't think he likes me knowing. I doubt I should date him... he scares me." James pulled out some matching jewelry. He nodded. "It is scary, opening your heart up to someone." He said placing a necklace around her neck. She looked at his reflection. "I think it's scarier being with a gold watcher over a... fellow peasant." She said snatching a fan. "I'm not scared that he would ever hurt me. I'm scared because... I don't feel like I'm good enough." James held up a box of earrings. "You listen here missy. Alex loves you. He cares for you. I've never seen him work so hard for a lady in all my life. Trust me. To him you are worth more than your weight in gold. Trust us... we know more about gold than others." Diana giggled pushing him away as he chuckled at his own joke. She went out of the room in her pink outfit grabbing her mask.

Alexander opened the box Pierre sent him two days ago. They were to wear matching outfits to infiltrate Murphy's room. Alexander pulled out the outfit. It was white as snow, with an elaborate headpiece with a full facial mask. Of course Pierre would choose white. His signature color. He would need to be careful. Maybe if they infiltrated quickly he could make some time for romance. He was clearly caught off guard by Diana professing that she was no longer interested in Murphy, and that she was aware the Alex pined for her. He had been avoiding her so he could have perfect set up for a magical moment with her. Also because of his bashfulness, he was so grateful that they were wearing masks. This way he could keep his identity secret. Though he would have to arrive at a separate time.

He was fully dressed and peeked out the door to see what his maid was wearing. True it might have been considered cheating but whatever. A lasting impression was what he needed to make, and that meant presentation and appeal. It seemed luck was in his favor. Half masked, which meant her skin and smile was showing. An easy tell. Even if there were other pink outfits, what were the odds of another participating mortal member wearing the same clothes. Thomas joined her wearing a matching pink outfit. The pair walked down to the foyer, and out to catch the carriage they called for.once they left, he escaped and got to his own. He took a deep breath and entered. He hated such confined spaces since his war days it drove him mad, but baby steps were best.

He was startled when a big gloved hand yanked him in. "In ya go, shorty." He fumbled being thrown on a cushion. "D'oh!" He grunted flopping into the carriage. He didn't expect others to be inside. He growled and lifted his mask. "What's the meaning of this." The two men lifted hair masks laughing. "It's us, you dolt." When the two boys that sat opposite him lifted their masks he saw Pierre and Hedwig. "Hedwig? I thought you weren't invited." He chuckled. "The great thing about Heinrich? He can make anything." He showed him his forged invitation. Obviously bribed the poor German. He laid it back in his hand, as the carriage rode off. "So, Alexander do you have them?" Alexander handed over the fake blank letters. Pierre started counting in French, and smiled. "Perfect replicas. You are a better beginner spy than I thought." He looked at Pierre and realized their outfits were exact replicas. The Frenchman was so clever.

"So the bloke's blackmailing you, and you're working together to cover your tracks, and keep your servant safe." Hedwig raised an eyebrow. "You must care a lot about her. I think I'd like to meet her." Alexander stiffened. "Don't get any ideas." Hedwig held up his hands. "Whoa! Easy." He saw the fat lip Judas got last time he interacted with her. He had no mischievous intentions.

~~~~~

Diana and Thomas were chatting talking about the upcoming party. Thomas warned that things can get a bit wild at Wiltshire parties. It might've been best to stay close to one of her masters. "I will stay close, but before you guys keep a hold of me, I'm dumping Murphy." Thomas had to admit he was happy to hear that. No longer having that thorn in their side sounded nice. He hugged her patting her back excited to hear the news. As they went along the path Diana saw the beach. "Oh, Thomas! Look!" She pointed toward the ocean. "The beach. I would love to visit the beach some time." He perked up. "Do you know how to swim?" She nodded. "Then I'll take you in a week or two." He smiled.

The carriages arrived there, and Diana hopped to the gravel. "Wow!" This place is beautiful. Look at the pond! It's like a magical enchanted pond. Thomas knew better. He took her arm. "Don't be fooled my love. It may look beautiful on the outside, but just wait till you see the madness inside." When they stepped out James and Benjamin were waiting for them. Benjamin and James held their masks up so that Diana could tell who they were. Just in case she got into any bad blood with Murphy during their breakup she could go to them for protection.

As they walked toward the building she saw three figures get out of a carriage. One black wearer, with two clean glistening white companions. She was curious who they were, and where Alex was.