The Haunted Ballroom

Mysteries swirled around this magical place...

- DILLY COURT

Mary Ann Weston had a job to do, one of the many she .undertook in order to make ends meet. Her ailing mother depended on her to provide food for the table and the rent for their one room in a damp basement. Pa had left the scene so many years ago that Mary Ann could barely remember him. She quickened her pace as she headed for Berkeley Square where the toffs lived in imposing mansions.

Her workplace tonight was unoccupied, apart from Mrs Norris, the housekeeper, who was getting the place ready for the owners' return from their country estate. Mary Ann trudged on, tightening her shawl around her head and shoulders as she battled against the cold east wind.

The pavements glistened in the yellow light from newly-lit gas lamps, and dead leaves were scattered like confetti on the cobblestones. There were only a few pedestrians around at this time in the evening, most likely due to the inclement weather, or perhaps they were enjoying a weekend party with games and drinking. Mary Ann was certain that the people who lived in this expensive part of Mayfair were far too grand to indulge in such common practices.

She reached her destination and was dismayed to find the house in total darkness, its tall windows staring blindly onto the street below.

"Cross me palm with silver, dearie, and I'll tell your fortune." Mary Ann turned with a start to see a woman sitting on the top step.

"I've come here to earn money, not give it away. Good luck to you, but please let me pass." The old woman gazed into Mary Ann's face and her expression changed subtly.

"Tonight you will meet your fate, but it will not be as it first seems." The lady stood aside. Mary Ann stifled a sudden desire to laugh, but she could see the old woman was sincere. She put her hand in her pocket and took out three farthings.