Masquerade [Kuskovo Estate]

[Lore]

Her success remembering Carter’s name was woefully short-lived. She presumed it was success anyway; they never got so far into the conversation as confirmation, but Lore was rarely wrong. Either way the beam of her smile slipped away, replaced by confusion once it seemed the imminent approach of two men was to in fact escort Carter out. Admittedly there hadn’t been any Volthströms on the guestlist Lore had memorised, but it wasn’t like he didn’t fit in with the wealth, power and elitism of the general scenery. Hence the confusion.

If there was something you were supposed to do or say in such a situation Lore had no idea what it might be, but behind her simple mask her eyes were bright with sympathy. He made no fuss, and no one glanced at her much at all, so she only moved to stay out of the way. Belatedly she considered that maybe she should have moved away entirely, since most people preferred not to have any witness to an embarrassing situation. But it was too late now, and anyway, he had probably assumed she was Jessika’s PA. He was unlikely to remember her face.

Afterwards she was once again alone in the middle of a party she’d really rather have missed. Though on the plus side, the pillar upon which Carter had been leaning really was a good place for watching the floor.