After handing in our box tickets, we followed an attendant up the red-carpeted staircase. Marlow led with Lady Diana, and I pushed away every bad thought, every hope that perhaps she’d trip on that magnificent skirt and have to retire early. Perhaps she’d lose her voice halfway through the night. Or a smuggler might come and steal her away.
Maggie marveled at every detail and new painting on display, and I tried to pay attention. Lord Reynolds and Gabriel walked a step behind us. I slid my hand along the smooth, bronze banister, only aware of the passersby when I looked up and caught a group of women staring. Their gaze flickered away instantly, but lips were moving. Quirking. Whispering.
I looked back at Lord Reynolds, who was already watching me and smiling. I could do this. I could find my own place and be brave. There were more people like me. I simply needed to find them.
At the top of the staircase, antique bronze lamps lined the walls and lit the pathways leading in either direction. Our company turned right.
I kept a careful facade as we walked past the saloon, until the attendant opened the door to the correct box.
Marlow thanked him, then entered after Lady Diana. The rest of us followed, quickly greeted by Her Grace, who’d been waiting alone.
“There you are! I’d started to worry.”
“Your Grace,” Lady Diana cooed, dipping low to embrace her. “Lovely of you to share your box with us this evening.”
“It is hardly an inconvenience, having you here. But where is your mother?” Her Grace looked behind us.
“She said she’d find us. But, heavens, this isn’t your usual box, is it?” Lady Diana frowned and looked back for Marlow. “She might have trouble.”
“We needed something larger to accommodate us all. Come, you and I shall find her.” Her Grace took Lady Diana’s arm. They clung to each other, already like mother and daughter, as they brushed past us for the door. “Marlow, darling, call for tea.”
He grunted, falling into one of eight chairs in the box. The first chair on the first row. Maggie sat behind him and gestured for me to join her. We were situated close to the stage, though high above it. People were everywhere.
I glanced at Lord Reynolds and patted the seat beside me. Gabriel ushered us all down a seat so he could sit beside Maggie. The five of us sat still in the box. Marlow didn’t so much as turn round in his seat.
Maggie huffed. “I’ll call for tea myself.”
“No,” Lord Reynolds insisted, standing. “Please, allow me.” He smiled at me. “I’ll return in just a moment.”
“Thank you, Lord Reynolds.” The door closed behind him, and I blew out a breath.
Maggie grinned, leaning into my side. “Lord Reynolds cannot keep his eyes off you.”
Marlow’s leg started to bounce.
“That is quite enough,” I chided her. “Let me have one moment of freedom, won’t you? Before he returns.”
“So kind of him to fetch tea. And Lady Diana”—Maggie leaned forward, closer to Marlow—“is so polite and thoughtful, is she not?”
Marlow spoke over his shoulder. “Maggie, are you in need of purpose?”
She scoffed, falling back in her seat. “You’re in quite the mood.”
“Leave him be,” Gabriel said.
But she was right. Marlow was jittery. He was unfocused. Tense. I blew out another breath. Perhaps he needed a friend. As painful as it was to watch him court someone else, I cared for him enough to put aside my own feelings.
I leaned forward in my seat. “Are you anxious?”
His leg immediately stilled. “No.”
“He’snervous. She might well be the one,” Maggie said. “Finally, after that disaster last summer.”
His shoulders tensed at the mention of Mrs. Winston. At failure. Did he fear the same with Lady Diana? The woman could not keep her eyes off him. All he had to do was encourage with one or two flattering words, and she’d happily take the bait.
I knewIwould.
“You needn’t worry,” I said to him. “Lady Diana will make your interaction comfortable. You need only smile and be yourself.”
