Masquerade (57 page)

Foundling Homes. The Children’s Society, started in the 1850s, took care of more than 300,000 homeless children in its lodging houses, and found homes for 70,000 children in the West. The scene where Lottie brings Fitz into the foundling home and is told about a crib in the foyer that used to be outside—until it would fill up too quickly—is true.

The Fashion of
Masquerade
1

Harper’s Bazar
February 17, 1883

Chapter 5:
(left)
“By her own right, Lottie looked stunning in her gown of sage green, and their chokers made of rhinestones still managed to glisten under the gaslights.”

Chapter 5:
(right) “
Dora’s was made of sky-blue satin and brocade, with an overlay of ecru lace ruffled at the bodice and floor. She had no idea how many yards of fabric were used to make the bustle, train, and drapery, or how many different beads or measures of trim decorated her dress, but the result was stunning. And heavy. Dora felt as if she were dragging several sacks of flour or grain behind her, or perhaps a goodsized child had become a stowaway on board her train, taking a ride.”

Bloomingdale’s 1886 Catalog

Chapter 8:
(right)
“Dora felt both tailored and feminine in her navy blue walking suit with its zouave-style cape and wood buttons. She appreciated Lottie’s taste in adding a red feather to her bonnet.”

Chapter 9:
(left)
“Although Lottie’s clothing was a simple traveling suit, the jaunty bow and feather on her hat, the striped green fabric of her bodice, and the drape of the bustle in the back singled her out as a stranger.”

Harper’s Bazar
Cover, October 28, 1882

Chapter 12:
(left)
“Before coming to the park, Charlotte had liked her own costume, but now she found its layers of black chantilly lace too mournful, the glimpses of burgundy decoration too few. She much preferred Beatrice’s ensemble
[right]
, which combined a gray-blue cashmere with Turkey-red borders and bows. Even Beatrice’s parasol was adorned with a red bow. Charlotte’s was solid black.”

Harper’s Bazar
Cover, December 1, 1883

Chapter 13:
(left)
“ Before the excursion was over Conrad had purchased … a forest green and ivory walking costume …”

Chapter 14:
(right)
“The gown Mrs. Tremaine had ordered made for Charlotte’s party was a complicated affair in rose and green. Its lower skirt was layered with odd pointed flounces that hung like pink petals. Covering the hips and creating a bustle was silk drapery that was pleated in scarves and held in place with bows and loops of green velvet ribbon to which two huge bouquets of multicolored flowers were added—one for each hip. The dress had short puffed sleeves and a center bodice panel made from rows of lace and edged with a wide band of the velvet ribbon. It looked as though the seamstress had utilized every style, every trick in her book.”

¹
Illustrations from:
Victorian Fashions & Costumes from Harper’s Bazar 1867–1898.
Dover Publications 1974, AND
Bloomingdale’s Illustrated 1886 Catalog
by Bloomingdale Brothers. Dover Publications 1988.

Discussion Questions for
Masquerade

1. At the beginning of the story both Lottie and Dora long for a “true sister,” a bosom friend. Their place in society keeps them from seeing that this bond is in progress with each other. Who is your true sister? Was it an instant connection or did it take some time for the bond to develop?

2. On the ship, the girls discover new things about themselves. Dora comes to life and discovers an unknown talent for being charming, which results in being the belle of the ball. And Lottie had no idea she possessed such a heart for children. What unexpected talent or gift has revealed itself in your life? What were the circumstances?

3. When Lottie first gets to America, her money and jewels are stolen and she is mad at God and declares she’ll handle things without Him. Have you ever felt this way? What were the circumstances? How did you rid yourself of these feelings? Or have you?

4. In Chapter 10, Lottie sees a necklace in a pawnshop—the ruby necklace her mother gave her for her birthday, the one she disdained. Then. But now it’s suddenly important to her. What else is suddenly important to Lottie that she took for granted before?

5. In Chapter 12, both girls go to church, and Charlotte notes, “The organ played a song to remind everyone that God had arrived.” Although we know God is everywhere, church is called “God’s house.” Why do you think this is so?

6. Does the dynamic between Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt, and the thin line that separated being a part of society or not, still exist today? What kind of line is present today between those in high society and those who are trying to climb higher? Can you think of TV shows or movies that showcase this social juggling?

7. In Chapter 15, while talking with Nanny, Lottie realizes she has to take responsibility for what’s happened to her, and God
has
provided for her in amazing ways—in spite of her blunders. How has God provided for you in spite of your mistakes? How long did it take you to realize what He’d done?

8. In Chapter 19, Lottie finally sees how God turned bad into good: “Was I brought here for this, Nanny? Was everything taken from me so I’d end up with the Scarpellis? Was I assaulted on my job so Sven would take me under his wing? Did I find Fitz and find you so … all this could happen?” Dora could name a similar sequence of circumstances that brought her together with Dr. Greenfield. Name a time in your life when you can see a string of events that had God’s hands all over them.

9. Everyone has a need to find their purpose, to answer the question “Why am I here? Now?” As Lottie asked Nanny, “What am I born to do?” Have you discovered your purpose yet? Do you see glimpses of it? What have you done to seek it? What could you do?

10. Many times throughout the book the moon inspired Lottie to think deeply about her life and purpose. What element of nature inspires you when you need to think? What special place?

11. In the end, Lottie and Dora realize by being apart they grew into the women God intended them to be. Do you think they could have accomplished that same growth if they’d remained maid and mistress in Dornby Manor?