A woman like La Sorellii was very seldom on her own. While working, she was flocked by at least a half dozen ballet girls and twice as many patrons. At events such as the masked ball, she was in the company of one special patron: Count Philippe de Chagny. But her lover had gone to chase down his young and foolish brother - the poor boy was struck with such lovesickness, the likes of which Sorelli had never seen. Still, she smiled at the pretty young woman - the mistress of another count, if she was not mistaken, and therefore her social equal in so many ways.
“At present, I am here with you,” she said, lowering her mask. “The Comte de Chagny has other matters that require his attention and I cannot begrudge him that. And you, signorina? Have you come to the Bal Masque alone or is your charming and elusive Count of Monte Cristo enjoying the party with you?”
( ☆ ) She removed the white veil that obscured most of her face and offered a shy smile to the older woman. French high-class parties were certainly extravagant--almost unnecessarily so. Everything and everyone glittered in this oasis of luxury, and the princess found it to be nearly suffocating ( the harem hid less than this, and did not seem so...artificial ). But the people seemed real enough, and Haydée’s face flushed with pride at La Sorelli’s words: your charming and elusive Count. Ridiculous. I am his possession, he is not mine in any way but master.
“The Count is present too, Signora,” she chuckled lightly. “He only has gone to go tend to some business with an associate of his temporarily.” She was sure that he would find her again easily when his discussions ended--despite the fact that everyone present was in costume, she still was quite conspicuous ( had they been back in the East, it would not be a far-fetched mistake to assume her a Sultana ). “I saw your latest performance the other night, and I just wished to tell you--you were absolutely sublime! I have been to many opera performances, and yet I feel as though your skill outshines the others I’ve witnessed.” ( ☆ )
