It's the next night that the event occurs; a masquerade ball. Peter is looking wonderful in a tuxedo with a deep red tie, though he keeps fiddling nervously with his matching mask. He's clearly desperate for this mission to go well.

As for me, all three of the female Avengers worked on my appearance prior to this, as well as mine and Peter's backgrounds.

My long blonde hair is pinned up in an elegant style, one I could never even begin to name. Several wisps of my fair lockes frame my face and head shape. On top of this, my makeup is flawlessly done to give me smoky cat eyes, long curled lashes, rosy cheeks and bright red lips.

Not to mention this beautiful blood red ballgown and mask, both chosen carefully to match Peter's mask and tie.

As I glance out he blacked-out window of our extravagant ride, my mind drifts to our cover story; my name is now Lady Audrey Cordelia Mastacott, heir to the (illegal) Mastacott fortune, while Peter is Lord Alexander Benjamin Worthington, heir to the (also illegal) Worthington fortune.

We have been arranged to marry since my birth (as I am a little younger than Peter) and will do so once we are of age. My mother recently passed away and now my father is seeking aid from old friends, aka dead people known to have been in the little criminal gang here. We pretend to be looking for them, then 'somehow' slip into the night's festivities.

It's actually quite simple, the hardest part is remembering the fake names.

After a while the limo stops , the door opened for us by a man in a traditional butler's uniform. Peter gets out first, slightly awkwardly. Then I follow. The butler offers me his hand and I take it, elegantly stepping out with my free hand hitching up my skirts to allow me to be able to stand without tripping.

Once my 'father-in-law' gets out, I link arms with Peter and we glide indoors. In front of us are another couple, also arm in arm. They whisper something to the other butler that's waiting at the door, who then announces their names.

"Lord Arthur Joseph Worthington," is announced when 'Happy' whispers his fake identity. The butler then turns to Peter, who stammers out his name. He manages to get it right... with a little prompting. I understand, it's not easy to get used to so quickly.

I whisper my fake name, then we're announced together and we're free to proceed onto the balcony beyond the elaborate double doors, walk down the grand staircase and mingle among the other guests, all of which are in elegant attire and donning masks.

My past makes me ideal for this type of mission, not that I believe that this is a great background to come from. I glance around the room systematically, taking note of everyone in the room. There are several men and woman - some appearing to be in their forties, others as young as Peter and me - waltzing or making small talk at the edge of the large room, champagne flutes and non-alcoholic (hopefully) wine-filled glasses in hand.

A pair made up of a young woman and an older man came over to us, both dressed in expensive attire. I took note of the tiara on the woman's head. "Lord Worthington, is it?" The man asked. "I don't believe we've met."

"I came here looking for Lady Evangeline Balina," Happy answered, acting his part well enough to pass as a gentleman suited to this establishment. "My dear companion has been absent of late, so I wished to enquire here at this fine gathering that I knew she so looked forward to."

"I'm afraid that Lady Balina has been... let us say acquired by legalities," the man explained with a pensive, almost angry tone. "Of course, you are more than welcome to stay the evening, my good sir. We were just about to begin the auctions later this evening. I assume you have been informed on these by the lady?"

"I never learned of any details, she was discrete so as to prevent unwanted knowledge escaping," Happy assured. "And it is very generous of you to allow me your company. I hope it is no trouble that my son and his betrothed are here with me."

"They seem like lovely young children," the man smiled at Peter and I. It was the kind of sickly sweet smile that could be meant with the purest intent but still gives off the world's creepiest vibe if you didn't fall for it.

I'm not one to fall for it.

"Young Lord Worthington, I presume?" He asks Peter, bowing slightly. Peter, a little surprised by this, quickly follows suit. "Oh, uh, yes, Lord..."

"I am afraid you will have to be a little patient with my darling," I speak up to rescue Peter. "He is quite charming once you know him better, I assure you. He is simply not in his element among others. He certainly prefers his quieter moments."

"Ah, I see," the man nods, a knowing smile on his face. "Then how was he when he learned of his betrothal to you, my dear... my apologies, I do not believe I caught your name."

"Audrey Mastacott, my lord," I introduce, dropping a practiced, elegant curtsey. "Very pleased to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is all mine, my dear," he replies politely, then addresses all three of us. "I hope you enjoy tonight."

With that, he and the young woman - probably his daughter - leave. Peter sighs in relief. "Thanks, Carmen," he whispers quietly. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do here. They all talk so weird!"

"Just stick with me and you'll be fine," I tell him. "I know the ropes. Now come on, I know a good way to get some info on these guys without having to talk to them."

"Really? How?" He asks, but I simply take his hand and lead him to the dance floor.