“I am glad we came at all,” Jane whispered. “I heard that the aria is renowned for the spectacular delivery of her ending notes. I feel as though it will be an unforgettable experience.”
Nora agreed greatly with Jane. They had looked forward to this opera performance for days now. But with everything that hadfollowed her brother’s departure, she had nearly forgotten about it.
It felt good to finally be out and about, indulging in the highlights of the season. Nora only hoped that things would remain this peaceful.
A gentleman a few rows below them turned, seemingly searching for someone. But his eyes fell on her, and he went still, his lips splitting into a charming smile.
Nora’s cheeks filled with heat, and she offered a smile of her own, nodding slightly. Someone waved at the gentleman, and he shifted his attention to them, lifting his hand in acknowledgement, but his gaze wandered back to Nora, and he gave her one more smile before he turned to face the stage.
“I saw that,” Penelope grinned discreetly. “Look at you, attracting suitors so boldly. Thank goodness your conversation with your guardian seems to have gone well.”
Nora sighed with resignation. “As well as it would have. But I suppose it is better than having him follow me everywhere —”
A sudden wave of excited whispers cut Nora off, and at first, thought that the aria had arrived and the performance would soon start. But then, people began to glance in her direction, their eyes darting back and forth as they chattered in fascination.
“Is… is there something on my face? Why are people looking this way?” she questioned, nervous and confused.
Jane tapped her shoulder gently and pointed her fan over her own.
“They aren’t looking at you. They’re looking at him.”
Nora followed the direction of the fan to the upper left side of the audience, towards the box seating that was usually reserved for the wealthy and highly ranked.
Her heart sank as Godric took a seat, his position giving him a good view of Nora and her friends.
“Is that really the Duke of Ironwell? I had heard that he made an appearance at a ball the other night, but I thought those were only rumors! He was never one for such public appearances! What a treat.” Mrs. Waverly gasped in excitement.
“I thought he said he would be discreet,” Penelope hissed, glaring up at him.
“It would seem we have very different understandings of the word.” Nora fumed, tearing her gaze away and facing the stage.
She was very upset, not only at his sudden appearance, but also with the fuss that surrounded his presence. It was out of character for the duke to attend social events — much less an opera show — so their fascination was warranted.
But Nora had hoped for a peaceful evening away from the problems that had arisen since Cecil left, wanting to feel eager to participate in the season once more. This Duke seemed intent on ruining her life, making her angry until she was plotting ways to get him away from her for hours on end in her mind.
She has never disliked someone so much, and it was exhausting.
The lights in the theatre were turned off as the performance began, but Nora could not seem to concentrate. Gone was the eagerness to witness the performance, replaced by the feeling that she was being watched keenly.
“Perhaps he just couldn’t stay away,” Jane whispered after the aria had taken to the stage.
“Or he wanted to prove that he is a man of empty words,” Nora grumbled.
“In any case, it seems as though he is quite dedicated to his role to protect you. How noble,” Penelope sighed, causing Jane to laugh.
Nora huffed, willing herself not to look back at him.
“I am certain he merely wished to get under my skin. He does not care about me or my well-being, only about making things difficult for me.”
“Perhaps that is his way of showing where his attention lies,” Penelope teased.
Jane hummed thoughtfully. “It certainly is an obvious tell, at least. Who knows what might develop with you both being so close for the rest of the season?”
“I hate you both so much. Be quiet and focus on the performance,” Nora chastised, ignoring their delighted giggling.
Much to her dismay, she could not concentrate on the beautiful show the aria was putting on, her mind and heart swirling with anger over the duke’s presence. She could not stand that he had gone back on his word so soon — even after making a fuss that he needed to keep his word to her brother.
Perhaps it was his promise to me that did not matter as much,Nora thought.
