Love in a Mask - Honoré De Balzac

In 19th-century Paris, Leon de Preval, a captain in the Sixth Horse, does not take the hint. The focus of his intrigue is a mysterious young widow in a mask, who is enjoying the freedom that the death of her controlling husband has allowed her. The woman's identity remains a secret, but they meet a few weeks later at another masquerade ball. When Preval asks for a third meeting, she agrees - but with a set of challenging conditions. 'Love in a Mask' is a romantic story with a sharp edge of commentary about women's role in society and their treatment by their husbands.