******************

Dawn burst upon the land with the luster of bright sunlight. Jade yawned, stretching her arms over her head, watching the maid move about the chamber, tidying as she went. Remembering that today was the beginning of the carnival season, she threw aside the coverlet and slipped out of bed. Tonight she would be a guest at the most exciting party of the year, a private costume ball that was attended by all the elite families of New Orleans.

Jade had been looking forward to the masquerade for months, hoping Raige would be her escort, but she had neither seen nor heard from him in over three weeks. It was with profound disappointment that she realized she would be escorted to the ball by her mother and father. Why was Raige ignoring her when their wedding was only three days hence?

Jade was filled with doubts. Did he regret asking her to marry him? What would she do if he didn't really love her?


* * *

As far as Jade was concerned, the fun of the ball was trying to see how long she could keep her identity a secret. So she insisted on entering the ballroom alone, because everyone would recognize her mother and father, who once again wore their Caesar and Cleopatra costumes, the same ones they wore every year.

The room seemed to explode with shimmering lights, and Jade was equally shimmering in her red gossamer gown and matching red mask. Atop her head she wore a veil that concealed the color of her hair and atop the veil she wore a beaded cap.

Jade had taken great pains to keep her costume a secret, and she was irritated when she advanced into the room and several people greeted her by name.

The ball was not as much fun as it had been in previous years. Jade had hoped that she could spend some time with Raige, but as the evening progressed, it was apparent that he would not be attending.

Charlene appeared at Jade's side and whispered in her ear, "What a calamity. Everyone knows you are Juliet and I am Queen Elizabeth. Would it not be a lark if we exchanged costumes? I could be you for the evening and you could be me. Of course, we would have to speak as little as possible so no one would recognize our voices."

Jade was intrigued by the idea. "Oui, let's do it! I'm certain that we could fool everyone, because they would not be expecting it."

A short time later Jade emerged from Charlene's bedroom, where a maid had helped her dress in the dark green Elizabethan gown with lace ruff and red wig. Charlene was still in her room, being laced into Jade's costume.

Jade moved through the crowd of merrymakers until someone grabbed her about the waist and whirled her around the parquet floor.

"Charlene," he said laughingly, "you fooled no one with your disguise. We all knew you the minute we arrived."

Jade smiled, making no reply. The ball was becoming more amusing because of Charlene's plan.

It was later in the evening when the man dressed as a knight approached Jade and Charlene. He bowed before Charlene and spoke in a disguised voice, but they both knew it was Tyrone all the same.

"Fairest of the fair, my Juliet, you have won the heart of this knight," he said, unaware of the laughing glances the girls exchanged.

Delightedly, Jade watched her friend being led outside by Tyrone. Jade knew that Charlene desperately loved Tyrone, and she was certain that they would make an admirable couple, if only Tyrone would realize it for himself. Perhaps tonight Charlene would get her fondest wish.

Jade spent the rest of the evening dancing and posing as Charlene. The crowning moment came when Madame Brevelle mistook Jade for her daughter. But Jade soon became weary and made no objection when her father suggested they leave.

Once they were home, Jade went directly to her room. She undressed, carefully placing Charlene's costume across a chair so it would not be wrinkled-she would have someone return it tomorrow.

She climbed into bed and snuggled into the soft, downy mattress. As she lay there, she had the strongest feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

Her door opened slowly, and Lizette entered on tiptoes, placing a finger at her lips.

"Why are you up so late, little sister? You know Mama would scold you if she knew," Jade reprimanded mildly.

The precocious child plopped onto the foot of Jade's bed and propped her head on her hand. "Tell me all about the ball-was it glorious?"

"It's late, Lizette," she groaned. "I'll tell you every detail tomorrow."

Undaunted, Lizette swept a stray curl out of her face, looking smug. "Raige recognized you right away, didn't he?"

"Non he did not, little Miss Inquisitive. Raige did not even attend tonight."

Her sister looked perplexed. ' "Then why did he trick me into telling him you would be dressed as Juliet?"

"He did what! When?"

"Last week, when Mama and I were in New Orleans. I saw him at the bank and we talked while Mama was speaking to Mr. Franchette. Before I realized what he was about, he had tricked me into revealing your costume." She raised up on her knees. "I didn't mean to tell him, but he is very clever."

Jade smiled at her sister. "It is of no consequence since he did not go to the ball. Now off to bed with you-I am weary."

Her sister moved off the bed and walked to the door. "You promise to tell me about the ball in the morning?"

"I promise."

Lizette nodded and left, closing the door behind her.

Forgetting about her earlier premonition of disaster, Jade fell into a peaceful sleep, not knowing that at that moment, events were taking place that would bring the world crashing down on her!


* * *

Wearing black and disguised as Romeo, Raige moved about the ballroom, searching for Jade. When he did not see her, he moved out the door and into the garden.

The night was aglow with millions of stars and he quelled his impatience to be with his love. She must be wondering why he had not come to see her for several weeks. Tonight he would explain to her that he had been overseeing the redecoration of Tanglewood because he wanted it to be perfect when he brought her home as his bride.

Hearing voices on the other side of the box hedge, Raige rounded the corner and stopped in his tracks, feeling as if his heart had just been ripped from his body. For there, with the moonlight illuminating her distinctive red gown, was Jade in another man's arms.

Charlene knew it was wrong to keep up the pretense, but it was wonderful to be alone with Tyrone and have him make love to her, even if he thought she was Jade.

"You can't marry Raige," Tyrone said, pulling her into his arms. "You love me."

Charlene said nothing, but nestled against him. Neither knew that they were being observed by jealous eyes, golden eyes that closed for a moment, feeling the agony of betrayal.

"You do love me; you know you do," Tyrone stated with assurance.

Trembling, Charlene could only nod. Oui, she loved him and she would steal this moment of happiness for herself. Surely it would do no harm. Tyrone's warm mouth bruised her tender lips in a kiss that made her giddy with delight.

"I knew it!" Tyrone exclaimed, tearing his mouth from hers. "Mother assured me that you cared for me, and if I placed my heart at your feet, you would not turn me away."

His companion did not answer.

"Jade, my dearest love, you cannot marry Raige. Not after the way you just returned my kiss."

"He's right," a deep voice spoke up from the shadows. Raige moved into the light, his face a mask of fury. "I can see how it is, Jade." His eyes moved to the woman behind the red mask, the woman he had trusted with his love, the woman who had just admitted she loved Tyrone.

Tyrone stepped back, his arm going protectively around his Juliet. "I did not intend for this to happen, Raige, but I love Jade and she loves me."

Charlene knew that she should tell Raige that she was not Jade, but it would be too humiliating. Tyrone would hate her for pretending to be Jade.

Raige moved closer, his heated gaze on Tyrone. "You know what this means?"

"I do," Tyrone said with a sneer.

Raige worked his fingers out of his glove and slapped Tyrone across the face, leaving red welts. "Tomorrow in the gardens behind St. Louis Cathedral."

"I'll be there. My second will call on you early."

In a moment of wild panic, Charlene ran down the path, seeking the sanctuary of her room. She had to get away, to hide. Oh, God, what had she done!


******************

Olivia awakened early and went for a long walk, trying to clear her mind. She was like a sleepwalker, because the dream she'd had last night had drained her of life and substance. She now knew what had caused the duel between Raige and Tyrone, and she had to find a way to stop it- but how?

As she approached the garden, she spied Betty Allendale picking fresh flowers.

"Good afternoon," Olivia said, stopping to admire the crimson-colored tulips and dipping her head to smell their light, delicate scent.

"Good afternoon," Betty replied stiffly, looking at the pale woman rather strangely. "Can I help you with something, miss?"

"No, I was just out for a morning stroll. It's so peaceful and beautiful at this time of day."

Betty gathered her bounty of flowers and smiled tightly, her eyes frosty. ' 'You are welcome to walk on my grounds if you keep to the path. This is private property, and I do not encourage trespassers."

Olivia was suddenly shaken by a cold dread that seemed to surround her heart. There was no recognition in Betty's eyes-she did not seem to know her. "Surely you are joking, Betty. I'm your houseguest."

"No, you're not, and I don't appreciate your trying that subterfuge." Her hostess's eyes flashed and she shook her head, her usual serene expression replaced with one of distrust. "I do not welcome strangers to my grounds, because this is not only an inn, it is my home as well."

Olivia was frantic, her eyes unseeing, her mind unfeeling as she tried to hold on to her identity. "Betty," she whispered through trembling lips, "you have to know who I am!"

Now there was fear in Betty's eyes. She took several quick steps backward, her eyes darting toward the house, planning her escape from this crazed woman. "If you don't leave now, I shall be forced to call for help."

The now familiar swirling mist descended, consuming Olivia within its murky depths. Reaching out her arms, she cried out to Betty, knowing that the woman was not even aware what was happening just a few feet away from her. She also knew in that moment mat she had ceased to exist as Olivia. She had no more substance than the mist that consumed her.

There would be no one who would mourn Olivia Heart-ford, if indeed she had ever really existed. There was no sadness in her heart as she became completely absorbed by Jade's world. But she must fight to retain some of what was Olivia if she was going to prevent the tragedy that would take place on a spring morning in 1813.

"Please, God," she prayed, "show me a way to help Jade St. Clair!"

Chapter Seven

It was still dark when Charlene dashed up the stairs, not even stopping to catch her breath; nor did she bother to knock on Jade's bedroom door, but threw it open and hurried to Jade's sleeping form.

"Wake up!" she cried, jerking on Jade's arm. "You have to help me; I've done something dreadful!"

Jade blinked her eyes, trying to focus on what Charlene was saying. Her friend had always overdramatized everything. "Tell me what has happened," she said, yawning.

Charlene tearfully explained what had occurred after Jade had left the ball the night before. "How could I know my deception would lead to a duel?" she sobbed. "It will be my fault if anyone is killed!"

Jade's mind was racing ahead as she stripped off her nightgown and took her riding habit from the wardrobe. "How could you have been so foolish, Charlene? You allowed Tyrone to believe he was making love to me, and you did not explain to Raige when he came to the same conclusion."

"I know what I did was wrong. I lay awake for hours, trying to decide what to do. Someone has to stop them before Raige kills Tyrone."

Jade turned so Charlene could fasten her blouse in the back. "Where is the duel to be fought?"

"In the city, behind the cathedral."

Jade nodded. "While I finish dressing, go to the stables and have someone saddle my horse and have a boat made ready to take me to New Orleans. And hurry, Charlene! Even now it may be too late."