After climbing out of the carriage, they strolled along the lakefront, stopping when they came upon someone they knew.
Later, when they were out of reach of prying eyes, Beau asked, “All right, ladies.What is our next plan of attack?”
Tiffany thought for a moment “We’re going to Covent Garden and using my box,” she finally said.“Why don’t you go with us?”
“Jonathan will be livid,” Elizabeth said.
“Precisely.”Tiffany laughed.
Beau’s mouth twisted wryly.“We don’t want the old man calling me out, ladies.”His voice was soft but slightly alarmed.
“No, we don’t.”Tiffany smiled and patted Beau on the arm for reassurance.“But since it’s my box, I’ll just say I invited you, and he won’t be able to object.”
“In that case ...”Beau breathed a sigh of relief.“I’ll call around—no, better yet I’ll meet you at the theater.”
“That’s a splendid idea.Jonathan wouldn’t dare make a scene in public,” Elizabeth said, but she thought to herself, at least I hope not.After taking a long, leisurely walk along the lake, they headed back to the carriage.
Elizabeth leaned over and whispered to Tiffany, “I feel that someone is watching me.”Elizabeth twisted her head.She saw many people milling about but no one she could single out.
“I’m sure they are,” Tiffany admitted.“You’re beautiful, and I’m sure word has gotten out that you’re very available.”
“I doubt that very seriously, but perhaps you’re right.But I actually felt gooseflesh a few moments ago,” Elizabeth said as she turned around again to see if she could spot anyone.When she didn’t, she shrugged and climbed into the landau.
It wasn’t long before they were once again at the front of Trent House.“I shall see you tonight,” Beau said when he dropped them off.
When they returnedfrom the park, it was rather late, so Elizabeth had little time to get ready for the evening at the theater.She hurried over to the armoire and chose a white crepe dress trimmed in gold.She had the maid weave gold cords through her hair, to bring out the accent of her gown.
Once she had dressed, she found Tiffany and Jonathan waiting for her downstairs.Jonathan was dressed in a wine-colored coat and waistcoat.His shirt was snow-white, as was his neck cloth.He looked every bit the aristocrat that he was.
Tiffany wore a stunning, violet-colored dress trimmed in cream lace.The crepe dress hung loosely from under the bust and concealed her pregnancy nicely.Her blond hair was swept to the side and she looked lovely.
Once they were in the carriage, Tiffany and Jonathan carried the conversation while Elizabeth stared out the window at the gas lamps, wondering what tonight would bring.She also couldn’t shake the odd feeling she’d had this afternoon that someone was watching her.She was just nervous, she supposed.
When they reached Bow Street, the carriages were again backed up to get into Covent Garden.It was the theatrical home of John Philip Kemble and his sister, Sarah Siddons.Elizabeth hadn’t seen a performance by either in a long time.She wasn’t sure what was planned for the performance tonight.
Elizabeth watched the ladies and gentlemen as they filed out of their vehicles.Most were laughing and carrying on as they made their way into the theater.
Finally, it was their turn.The coachman opened the door.“What are we going to see?”Elizabeth asked, stepping out of the vehicle.
“The Clandestine Marriage.It’s a most respectable play,” Jonathan answered, taking Elizabeth’s elbow.
“I’ve seen the play, and it is one of the better ones,” Tiffany commented once they entered the theater.
The interior was done in dark red and trimmed in gold.Huge chandeliers cast a soft glow on thehaute-tonwho leisurely made their way to their boxes.
An orange seller held up a playbill and Jonathan stopped to purchase one for each of them.
They moved across the vestibule and proceeded up the main staircase, heading for Tiffany’s box.Jonathan still held Elizabeth’s elbow as he guided her along.
“There you are,” Beau Brummell said from the top of the stairs, looking grand in black with a blue waistcoat.“I thought perhaps I was late.”
“No, just in time.”Tiffany smiled brightly at Beau.
Elizabeth felt Jonathan’s fingers tighten just before he dropped his hand.He said for Elizabeth’s ears only, “Did you invite him?”
“Tiffany did,” Elizabeth said ruefully.
“I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, ol’ chap, but Tiffany needed an escort,” Beau said to Jonathan as he took Tiffany’s arm.
