Lady Isabella let out a delighted squeal beneath her breath as she spotted Lord Ashburton and the marquess entering the hall. “They’re here!” she breathed heavily, gripping Charlotte’s arm.
“Control yourself.” Lady Thornton appeared at her daughter’s side, acting as chaperone for the evening.
Charlotte’s heart froze as she saw the way Jameson locked eyes with her. His handsome features transformed after having spotted her.
I have to tell him …
“You look absolutely ravishing this evening.” The marquess greeted her with a bow as Lady Isabella became enthralled by Michael Ashburton.
Managing a smile, Charlotte curtsied, her heart breaking with every second she spent in his presence. How could she tell such a wonderful man that she personally knew the man he more than likely hated? And more importantly, would he and his family still accept her if they knew the truth?
She felt like a lady with a secret she couldn’t divulge.
“Thank goodness your mother is here.” Lady Thornton breathed a sigh of relief as she spotted the duchess in one of her fabulous gowns.
The duchess.
Charlotte felt her heart breaking completely. She had been so caught up in telling Jameson that she had forgotten about his mother and father. Would the duchess still look at her with fondness if she knew the truth?
“I think we had all better make our way into our box before the singers step out.” The duchess smiled at them in greeting, leading the way to their private box in the gallery.
“Are you feeling ill?” Jameson reached for her hand and held her back as the rest of the group walked ahead.
“I am quite well, thank you. I think I’m just overcome by the grandness of this evening; I’ve never watched the Opera from a private box before,” she bent the truth in an attempt to delay the inevitable for just a little longer.
It was true that she hadn’t ever watched the Opera from a private box; in fact, she would have felt as if she were royalty if it hadn’t been for the ugly truth that lurked in the back of her mind like a beast on the prowl. Why had she gone into the attic in the first place? If she hadn’t found that letter, she could have continued seeing the marquess with a clear conscience. Surely, they wouldn’t hold it against her if she never knew the truth.
“In that case, allow me to be the one who escorts you to your very first elite experience.” The marquess put on a heavy accent of royalty as he held out his arm, offering her his guidance.
“Thank you,” she breathed lightly in an effort to keep herself from crying.
Following the others, they made their way up the stairs and onto the balcony that led to their private box.
The duchess instantly took charge as they entered the box, instructing Lady Isabella and Lord Ashburton to sit in front, leaving Lady Charlotte and the marquess to sit at the back.
The chatter amongst the crowd died down as the bright red curtains opened, revealing a large lady with an even larger set of bosoms who proceeded to belt out a note that instantly filled the air with a feeling of intrigue and romance.
Shifting in her seat, Charlotte attempted to make herself comfortable. The enchanting music did little to ease her conscience; the turning point, however, came when Jameson allowed his hand to fall open beside her chair, signalling his intent to hold her hand. Hesitating at first, she eyed his open hand, wondering if she had a right to engage with him in that manner.
Giving in to her desires, Charlottes slipped her hand into his, feeling the warmth of his fingers envelope hers. The song seemed to last a lifetime as she quietly sat at his side, saddened by the turn of events in their story that had only just begun. The intimate feeling sent shivers of pleasure up her arm.
Why couldn’t this have happened to someone else? Someone who hadn’t already experienced as much grief and sorrow as she had in life.
The curtains closed on the final notes of the song, signalling the interlude as both Lady Thornton and the duchess rose from their seats.
Jameson quickly removed his hand, not wanting the others to see the intimate moment they had been sharing.
“I think I’m in need of a lovely glass of punch,” the duchess remarked as she watched Lady Thornton rushing after her daughter, who was fawning over Lord Ashburton.
“We will be right behind you, Mama.” Jameson stood with Charlotte at his side.
Feeling her anxiety growing in the aftermath of the song, Charlotte attempted to follow the duchess as quickly as she could but found herself being held back by the marquess. She couldn’t bear to look him in the eyes after holding his hand and knowing the truth.
“I want to show you something before we join the others,” He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear.
Taking in a sharp breath, she allowed herself to be pulled behind a curtain in the box. A tiny room had expertly been concealed behind the curtains, visible only to those who knew where to look.
“What is this place?” she asked with bated breath as she looked around the tiny closet.
