think, at the stage. He glances at me and
smirks.
“I’ll hand you over now to our master of ceremonies.
Please be seated, and enjoy,” Carrick finishes.
Polite applause follows, then the babble in the tent
starts again. I am seated between Christian and his
grandfather. I admire the small white place card with fine
silver calligraphy that bears my name as a waiter lights the
candelabra with a long taper. Carrick joins us, kissing me
on both cheeks, surprising me.
“Good to see you again, Ana,” he murmurs. He really
looks very striking in his extraordinary gold mask.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please nominate a table head,”
the MC calls out.
“Ooo—me, me!” says Mia immediately, bouncing
enthusiastically in her seat.
“In the center of the table you will find an envelope,”
the MC continues. “Would everyone find, beg, borrow, or
steal a bill of the highest denomination you can manage,
write your name on it, and place it inside the envelope.
Table heads, please guard these envelopes carefully. We
will need them later.”
Holy crap. I ha一ven’t brought any money with me.
Holy crap. I ha一ven’t brought any money with me.
How stupid—it’s a charity event!
Fishing out his wallet, Christian produces two hundreddollar
bills.
“Here,” he says.
What?
“I’ll pay you back,” I whisper.
His mouth twists slightly, and I know he’s not happy,
but he doesn’t comment. I sign my name using his fountain
pen—it’s black, with a white flower motif on the cap—
and Mia passes the envelope round.
In front of me I find another card inscribed with silver
calligraphy—our menu.
~~~~~~~~~~
A Masked Ball in aid of Coping Together
Menu
Salmon Tartare with Cr&egra一ve;me Fraiche and Cucumber
on Toasted Brioche
Alban Estate Roussanne 2006
Alban Estate Roussanne 2006
Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast
Creamy Sunchoke Purée, Thyme Roasted Bing
Cherries, Foie Gras
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2006 Domaine
de la Janasse
Sugared Crusted Walnut Chiffon
Candied figs, Sabayon, Maple Ice Cream
Vin de Constance 2004 Klein Constan
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