Brilliance scrunched up her face. “That’s distressing to think of, my lord.” She glanced around, and he saw when something caught her eye. In fact, she gasped softly.
“They are here,” she said. “Mr. and Mrs. Castern.”
Vincent’s good feelings evaporated, and he followed where she gazed. Sure enough, Ambrose and Lydia were in a box on the other side, obviously being hosted by a nobleman. He realized it was the Duke of Monmouth.
Vincent couldn’t blame the old duke. After all, everyone celebrated Ambrose and had done so since he’d first burst onto the concert stage three years earlier.Who didn’t enjoy fine music and thereby want to fete the person who played it?
“The sooner we go to court, Chancery not Buckingham Palace,” Brilliance said, “the better. The last time I went to dinner, I was disbelieved while trying to explain that Mr. Castern was a plagiarist.”
The hair stood up on the back of Vincent’s neck. “Excuse me, my lady. What are you saying? Moreover, why am I only just hearing about this disturbing event?”
She shrugged. “Lord Redley escorted me to his aunt’s home. She is Lady Danson, who, as it turns out, is a patron of Mr. Castern. I assume that means she gives him money, and he pretends to like her more than he likes other people.”
“Just so,” Vincent muttered. “Have I ever told you how clear-thinking you are?”
“No,” she said. “Only that I am an immature adult and a dunderhead.” Her words hung in the air between them, like cannon balls — heavy and dangerous.
“Before we say anything else, I want you to know I was out of my head. Hurt by what I thought was your betrayal, I was not thinking rationally.” Vincent took her hand. “I know you to have an original mind, one which I admire and hold in the highest esteem. Your thoughts are precious and perfect. Will you forgive me? More than that, can you try to forget my vicious tirade?”
He thought she would take a minute to consider his apology. She didn’t. Instead, she nodded instantly. “I will try to forget what you said. Even if I cannot, I won’t keep a grudge, althoughI did for a while. And I forgive you because I have come to understand how I overstepped, albeit unintentionally.”
“Thank you.” He desperately wanted to kiss her. Perhaps she could raise her fan and he could duck behind it, but as he looked around, he saw her maid’s brown eyes trained upon her mistress.Perhaps not.
“Regarding the dinner party, I am sorry you had to experience such unpleasantness. I know what it is like not to be believed.”
Brilliance rested her gloved hand on his leg in sympathy, and he suddenly couldn’t breathe, with sizzling heat radiating from where she touched him and beyond.
“It wasn’t too bad,” she assured him. “In the end, Mr. Castern and his wife left first, but seeing how people were not pleased at how I had called him a thief, I departed, too. I don’t believe Lord Redley will be escorting me anywhere again.”
She didn’t sound unhappy about that, which was a relief. However, the incident could only have increased Ambrose’s hostility toward Brilliance. He looked to where the wretch sat on the opposite side of the theater.
“Do you wish to leave?” Vincent asked.
“Not at all. If you don’t mind, I would like to see the play.”
He didn’t mind in the least, sitting close beside this beautiful, unique woman who apparently was now loyally on his side. It was an uplifting feeling, knowing he was believed and trusted.
The Master of the Theater came out on the stage. Everyone applauded.
“You are in for a special treat tonight,” he told the audience. “As you know, Miss Adelaide Biddles will be playing the part of Viola, and Mr. Henry Irving is our Orsino.”
Enthusiastic applause broke out for two of London’s favorite actors.
“Before the curtain rises, I wish to also welcome a special member of the audience this evening. The composer, Ambrose Castern, is with us, along with his lovely wife.”
Again, the audience burst into applause. Vincent seethed quietly while both Ambrose and Lydia rose to their feet and waved at those in the cheaper seats below them, basking in the crowd’s adoration.
Sickening!Especially Lydia, since he knew she was the one who had actually taken the pages from his home. If ever a woman deserved to be tarred and feathered, it was that treacherous laced mutton. He was almost ready to ruin Brilliance’s evening and leave.
After a few moments, the two pretenders retook their seats.
Then, to his amazement, Brilliance rose to her feet beside him.
“Excuse me,” she calledout into the now hushed auditorium. Since the theater lights were still on, every head swiveled toward her voice. Brilliance could see when Mr. Castern and his wife realized who was speaking. His eyes bulged and Mrs. Castern’s mouth opened in a largeO.
Clearing her throat, she said, “I am Lady Brilliance, youngest daughter of Lord Diamond.” She gave a friendly wave of her hand as a murmur went up.
Vincent made a choking sound, and then she felt his hand upon her own, tugging at her to regain her seat. She ignored him.
