All week, conversation had been of nothing else, at least from the girls. Allie was sick of hearing the other girls dissect outfits before the night even occurred.What’s the point of a masked ball when they all know what everyone is wearing? They’ll spot each other easily by their dresses. She headed towards the library. She and Eloise agreed she would arrive late, giving her a chance to lay a false trail. Plus, it meant less time she would be at the ball and she was secretly positive she could avoid both Jared and Madeline for a short time.She passed Jared and Duncan heading down the corridor, escorting Madeline back to the girls’ dorm, to begin the long-winded process of preparing herself for the evening. A lone matron trailed behind her charge.“Coming tonight?” Duncan said as their paths crossed.“I’m banned, remember?” She smiled at Madeline, who ignored her and curled around Jared like a viper wrapping itself around a tree branch, earning her a bark from the matron behind.
