“Harry’s quite capable of handling his own affairs and a private fellow by nature. Not to mention, he has married into one of London’s most formidable families.” The duke quirked a dark brow. “Can you blame the man for avoiding his meddling sisters?”
“I don’t meddle.” Emma narrowed her tea-colored gaze at her husband. “I simply offer my assistance where it’s warranted.”
“You involved yourself in a murder investigation where the main suspect was an absolute stranger. Then you proceeded to torment and entice him in equal measure. And I should know,” Strathaven said, his jade eyes gleaming, “since I was that stranger.”
Although her cheeks were pink, Em said determinedly, “You have to admit you needed my help, Alaric.”
“Oh, I needed you all right,” her duke drawled softly. “Still do, as a matter of fact.”
Gabby hid a wistful smile. This sort of bantering was typical amongst her friends. Acton, a dark-haired Adonis with midnight blue eyes, took this as his cue to whisper something inhisduchess’s ear. Polly turned charmingly rosy, her hand fluttering to rest on her midsection. Although the swell was not yet visible, she’d confided to Gabby that she and her duke were expecting their second child next summer.
Surrounded by the openly affectionate couples, Gabby felt a queer pang…which she quickly relegated to herDo Not Mope Overbox. She was lucky to have a husband like Adam, who was a generous provider and took splendid care of her and the children. During his proposal, he’d been frank about his stance on romantic love, and she’d agreed to his terms.
She told herself that she was perfectly content with having a husband who was faithful and caring. It would be foolish to long for more, especially given her own paucity of charms. It was enough that Adam accepted her and never made her feel stupid or gauche when she couldn’t hold back her professions of love. He was the best of husbands.
And he could be at this minute facing down a cutthroat.
Desperate fear spread through her. Her gaze flew to the cart of refreshments that the butler had wheeled in. Perhaps she could take the edge off by nibbling on one of the choux pastries stuffed with hazelnut cream…
A series of piano chords cut through her thoughts. Miss Thornton, the children’s governess, had taken her seat before the instrument at the side of the stage, and her crisp crescendo of notes heralded the start of the play.
“Ladies and Gentlemen!” From behind the curtains came a high, melodic voice, which Gabby recognized as belonging to Lady Olivia, the Strathavens’ eldest. “Thank you for attending this premier performance of an original work. Prepare yourself for a tale of tragedy and triumph and a spectacle for the ages.”
She paused for Miss Thornton’s suspenseful trills.
“You will witness one girl’s journey from downtrodden scullery maid to celebrated princess. Before your very eyes, you will see her transformation. Our heroine will impress you with her metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly…”
“Did you teach Livy that word?” Strathaven murmured to his wife.
“Which word? There are rather many to choose from in this introduction,” Em whispered back.
Her husband’s lips twitched. “Our daughter has inherited your brains, no doubt about it.”
“…and now, without further ado,” their offspring announced, “I invite you all to sit back and immerse yourself in the magic of the theatre. May I present to you the scintillating story ofThe Princess and the Dancing Slippers!”
The next hour raced by. Gabby was enthralled by the children’s creativity and talent. Fiona was spectacular in her lead role as Princess Gianna, and Lady Olivia sparkled in her various turns as the bosom chum, evil queen, and stable boy. Lord Christopher, Strathaven’s heir, excelled as the knight in shining armor (made of tin pans tied together with string). Even the Actons’ tot, young Lord Stephan, did a credible job as the dragon, smashing towers of toy blocks with a loud roar.
The only mishap was when poor Max forgot his cue to enter. Cast in the non-speaking role of a tree, he was supposed to appear when Princess Gianna danced her way—thanks to the magic slippers—into the Forest of Mystery. But apparently he developed a case of stage fright, and Fiona could be heard saying in a furious undertone, “Hurry up, dunderhead! You’re supposed to be on!”
He scrambled onto the stage. His pudgy face was shiny with sweat beneath his crown of twigs, his leafy branches trembling. Gabby let out a secret sigh of relief when his part was over and applauded him vigorously as he dashed off the boards.
When the performance ended, the audience jumped to their feet, clapping enthusiastically and crying “Bravo!” and “Encore!” Everyone came out to take their bows…everyone except Max, Gabby noticed with a stab of worry.
As the young actors disappeared behind the curtain to change out of their costumes, Polly touched her arm. “Do you think Maximillian is all right?”
“The poor dear,” Gabby said in a low voice. “He does try, you know.”
“I thought he did a wonderful job.” Emma elbowed her husband. “Don’t you agree, Strathaven?”
“Absolutely. Max nailed the part of the tree.” The duke paused. “He was, er, very leafy.”
“And he’s been so supportive of the others during the rehearsals,” Em added. “Christopher has benefited greatly from Max’s encouragement.”
“Stephan as well,” Polly chimed in.
The children approached in an excited stampede.
“How did you like it?” Lady Olivia demanded of her parents.
