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Lily.
    Angel paused. How was it that the most difficult things seemed so simple to Lily? She always had some plan or idea that she was sure would solve everything. But this was different. This was taking things to a whole new level and if it went wrong—Angel couldn't risk hurting her mother. Not when Simone had already lost so much. And what would Papa have said to such a crazy plan?
    “I can’t,” said Angel firmly.
    “But why?” cried Lily. “I thought you’d love to go to Paris.”
    “Well, duh, of course I would. Just not like this.”
    “But I’ve told you why I can’t go to Paris, and I need to go to London.”
    “Well, maybe you can’t always have what you want.”
    “But why ?” demanded Lily. “Why won’t you do it? It would mean so much to me—to both of us.”
    “It’s too big a risk.”
    “There is no risk. I told you—no one will even know!”
    “And what happens at the end of the two weeks?” demanded Angel. “Sooner or later, you’ll have to see your grandmother and then what? I’m pretty certain she’ll notice that you’re not me and then we’ll be in real trouble.”
    “Not if I go to Paris at the end of the two weeks and explain. Even if the Comtesse is mad—she’ll be mad at me , not you. And by then you’ll be safely back in New York.”
    Angel frowned. Did Lily really not get it? Did she truly not understand what she was asking? “You make it sound so easy,” she said. “But I know there’d be consequences. Maman might even lose her job.”
    “As if I’d ever let that happen,” cried Lily. But even as she said it, Angel saw the flash of doubt in her face and knew she was thinking of Margot.
    A chill ran down her spine at the thought of what Margot might do once Lily’s ploy was discovered. From Lily’s account of the Margot behind the mask, it would be just like her to exact revenge in some sweet, insidious way.
    But Lily seemed oblivious to the risks. “Trust me, Angel. I know my plan will work. I’ve got it all worked out.”
    Angel felt an unfamiliar anger. “I’m sure you have,” she snapped. “And I’ll bet it’s a great plan for you because I’ll be the one taking all the risks.”
    “How can you say that?”
    “Because it’s true,” said Angel, and before she could stop herself she spoke the thought that had been simmering in the back of her mind for weeks: “You’re spoiled, Lily, and so used to getting everything you want that sometimes you don’t think about others.”
    Lily looked hurt, but Angel didn’t care. “I won’t do it, Lily. For once in your life, you can’t have what you want.”
    Lily stood in silence, as a tear slid down her cheek. Angel knew she’d upset her, but she wasn’t going to apologize. Not yet, anyway.
    Eventually Lily spoke. “But Angel,” she said, holding out her hand, pinky finger extended. “Friends?”
    Angel shook her head as she opened the door. “Goodnight, Lily.”

  
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    It was two days before Angel saw Lily again. She missed her, but she was immersed in her sewing and happy to spend the hours alone in her room working on her ball gown. Sundays were when she missed Papa most. Those were the days she and Simone had always visited him and Angel often yearned for their quiet conversations and his way of making her feel like she could do anything. She'd always take her latest sketches to show him and he would carefully examine each one and listen to her ideas and encourage her to pursue her dreams.
    Now, when Angel sewed she thought of Papa and those quiet afternoons and each stitch would feel like a tiny reminder of his belief in her.
     
    ***
     
    Late on Sunday night there was a knock on Angel’s door.
    She opened it to find Lily kneeling in the doorway.
    “Peace offerings,” said Lily, holding up a fat paper bag.
    “Get up,” said Angel, trying to look stern.
    “Not until you've forgiven me.”
    Angel put down her needle. “Forgiven you for