Eager to leave, she took her aunt’s arm when the curtain fell.
“Come, Aunt, I am not used to these late hours. We shall leave.”
“Of course.”
She said goodbye to everyone. Joseph was the last person, as he stood beside the door to the box.
“Good evening, my lady.”
“Good evening, my lord. Thank you for inviting us to share your box.” Milly did not meet his eyes.
“The pleasure was mine. I hope you did not find the gossip at intermission too taxing.”
“No indeed.” Milly made herself look at him. “Enlightening is what I would term it.”
She passed him with her aunt, and they made their way out behind the other guests. The queues for carriages meant their wait would not be a short one.
“Stay here, Aunt, and I shall see how far away the carriage is.”
“It will come, Millicent.”
“I don’t want to wait,” she said, making her way down the steps. Walking along the row, she saw hers in the distance. The walk would not be taxing on Aunt Beth, but perhaps it would be best to give it a bit longer, until the carriage drew closer.
“Pssst!”
Searching for whoever had made that sound, Milly saw a young boy in the shadows.
“What is amiss, boy?”
“Me ma, she’s hurt bad.”
“What has happened?”
“She fell. There’s an awful lot of blood.”
Milly moved closer.
“Where is your mother?”
“Just down there.” He pointed to an opening between two buildings. It was dark, and Milly was no fool. Something did not feel right.
“I will get someone to help me and return.”
The boy darted out of the shadows and grabbed her, followed by two more, and they had her arms in seconds.
“Unhand me!” she screamed, as there were plenty of people about. Surely someone would come to her aid? Milly fought them as they dragged her toward the opening. They nearly had her there when she heard footsteps.
“Release her!”
They did, and she fell backward, landing on her bottom.
“Milly, are you all right?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Hands helped her to her feet.
“What happened?”
