“Repeat the line after me,” the lanky bespectacled fellow said. “The heavens weep and I submit/ to the hail of the Gods upon my bosom.”
“The ’eavens weep and I submit,” the actress began.
“Heavens,” he repeated.
“That’s wot I said. ’Eavens.”
“Heavensand’eavens—can’t you hear the difference?”
“I can’earjust fine.” The actress pouted and flipped a black lock over her shoulder. “Now can we get on wif it?”
“Go on,” Dunn said with a sigh.
“The ’eavens weep and I submit to the... the ’ail o’ the Gods ’pon...” A notch formed between her brows before she finished triumphantly, “my tits!”
Alaric choked back a laugh.
“It’sbosom.” Dunn looked ready to rip his hair out.
The actress jutted a hip. “I know a good rhyme when I’ear one—and it ain’tbosom.”
“Mr. Dunn?” Emma said.
“What is it?” The playwright swung around to face her, and his expression went from aggrieved to enchanted in a way that set Alaric’s teeth on edge. Dunn smoothed his blond hair in place and gave a flourished bow. “Egad, if it isn’t Aphrodite, walking amongst mere mortals.”
“Actually, my name is Emma Kent. Miss Bloom said you might be able to help me.”
“I would be delighted to be of assistance,” Dunn said. “And to be freed of the labors of Sisyphus.”
“Gor, you ain’t got no right to call me a sissy puss—or whate’er that bad name was,” the actress put in sulkily.
“I wasn’t—never mind. We’ll work on the lines later.” Dunn gave an impatient wave, and the actress flounced off. He flashed a dazzling smile at Emma. “How can I be of service to you, fair maiden?”
“You can start by not calling her fair maiden,” Alaric said.
Dunn blinked, pushing up his spectacles. “Pardon. I didn’t notice you, sir.”
“We’re looking for Lily White,” Emma said, shooting Alaric a warning look, “and we understand that you knew her better than most.”
Dunn gave a dramatic sigh. “She was my muse, my guiding star. Then one day she abandoned me, left me in the fading twilight of love.”
“I’m, er, sorry to hear it,” Emma said.
“Your kindness is a balm to my heart.” Dunn reached for her hand.
“Touch her, and you will be requiring balm for other bodily parts,” Alaric warned.
Dunn’s hand fell to his side. “Like that, is it?”
“Yes,” Alaric said.
Emma’s gaze cast heavenward. “Look, Mr. Dunn, we really need to know where Lily went.”
“Why?”
“We have reason to believe that she is involved in dangerous business. We must find her to ascertain the truth and prevent further harm from occurring.”
Alaric had to admire Emma’s truthful yet tactful reply.
