The Masquerade

Hyde Park was transformed. Lanterns hung from the trees like glowing fruit. A massive pavilion tent had been erected, filled with the swirl of silk, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the drone of gossip.

Penny felt entirely out of place. She was wearing a gown Julian had "borrowed" from the costume department—a dark blue silk number that had been used for *The Merchant of Venice*. She wore a domino mask.

Julian was resplendent. He was dressed as a Venetian Doge, complete with a cape that swirled dramatically with every step. He was currently charming a circle of Duchesses.

"It is all in the diaphragm, ladies," Julian was saying, tapping his chest. "One must breathe in the tragedy, and exhale the art."

Penny scanned the crowd. She wasn't drinking champagne; she was holding her heavy knitting bag like a shield. Inside were her needles, three balls of wool, and Julian’s emergency smelling salts.

"Relax, Miss Pringle," Julian whispered, leaning down. "You look... adequate."

"High praise," Penny muttered. "Do you see him?"

"No. Perhaps he was intimidated by my fame." Julian took a sip of punch. "Ah! This is excellent. Is there nutmeg?"

"Sir Julian Thorne?"

The voice was dry, sharp, and unmistakably arrogant.

A man stepped out of the crowd. He was older, with silver hair and a deeply tanned complexion. He wore a white suit and a mask shaped like a Greek helmet.

"Mr. Seuss," Julian said, his voice dropping an octave. "The critic."

"I prefer 'aficionado of authenticity'," Seuss smiled. It was a cruel smile. "I was just admiring the venue. The Queen has outdone herself. Have you seen the Hedge Maze?"

Julian flinched. "I have not."

"It’s magnificent," Seuss said, stepping closer. "A true labyrinth. They say there’s a prize in the center. A golden calf."

Julian’s eye twitched.

"I have no interest in games," Julian said stiffly.

"Pity," Seuss swirled his wine. "I heard a rumor that the great Julian Thorne is afraid of getting lost. That he’s just a... dumb beast in a fancy coat."

The air around Julian grew hot. Penny saw the veins in his neck bulge. He was losing control.

"I fear nothing!" Julian roared, drawing the attention of the room. "I will navigate your maze! I will solve it in record time!"

"Julian, no!" Penny grabbed his arm.

He shook her off. His pride was driving the bus now, and it was heading for a cliff.

"Watch me!" Julian shouted. He marched toward the tall, dark hedges of the maze entrance.

Seuss smiled at Penny. "You might want to wait here, my dear. It’s going to get messy."

Penny didn't wait. She gripped her knitting bag and ran after her idiot minotaur.