Page 146 of From Rakes to Riches

“No,” Lola said in a sympathetic tone. “That’s not true. You shouldn’t blame yourself.”

“Mowbray is a reprehensible person who will be punished. To threaten to disclose the details of your personal relationship is unforgivable,” Theodore added emphatically.

“Stephen paid all that money and took all those risks to prevent scandal because of my actions in the past,” Margaret insisted. “I am to blame.”

“Stephen wanted to protect you in every way. I imagine that’s why he didn’t tell you about any of this. I’m so sorry, Margaret,” Theodore said. “I will bring your brother’s journal to Bow Street but you must realize the same threat to your reputation still exists.”

“That might not be true,” Lola interjected. “If Mowbray’s taken into custody and attempts to spin a tale, the journal and house ledger will prove he’d extorted money from Lord Fremont. It will appear Mowbray is fabricating a story to escape conviction, not the opposite, and his credibility would be stained far worse than any damage to Margaret’s reputation.”

“I’m prepared for whatever happens,” Margaret said valiantly, though her voice wavered. “I’ll soon be a happily married woman. His words can no longer hurt me and I will not have my brother die in vain.”

The room fell silent after that, Margaret’s vow a fitting sentiment to end their conversation.

For two daysafter Margaret’s dinner, Lola and Theodore didn’t see each other. With the details of Fremont’s murder explained, Bow Street arrested Baron Mowbray who was reported to be in a bad way, heavily in debt, and drowning his misery in liquor.

Lola knew Theodore must be busy, but she missed him and was relieved they had plans tonight to attend Lord Prinn’s masquerade. She’d purchased an elegant ballgown and new silk slippers, while Sofia had offered to arrange Lola’s hair in a sophisticated style. The anticipation of seeing Theodore’s expression when she joined him in fine eveningwear was near overwhelming.

Now as she stood on the tightrope platform, she cleared her mind, determined to practice before her performance later. But just as she was about to step on the rope, she heard Marco’s call from below.

“Can you come down?” He asked as he shielded his eyes and stared up at her. “Morland told me what happened in the Pleasure Gardens.”

She already knew what had happened, but climbed down the ladder and walked over to Marco anyway.

“You needn’t worry about the man who threatened you in the crowd. You’re out of danger,” he said. “The Runners caught the nob who caused the problem and he isn’t going to walk free and get away with the crime. Finally, there will be some justice in the world.”

“That’s good to hear, because it was an awful tragedy,” she said. “But not all noblemen are the same.”

“So now that you’re keeping company with Essex your entire perspective has changed?” Marco asked in an accusatory tone. “What about your past and how easily the duke manipulated circumstances to protect himself?”

“I haven’t forgotten that, but I believe the capacity to cause someone pain has nothing to do with whether or not there’s a title in front of his name.” She fell quiet for a moment, not wanting to argue again.

“It must be difficult balancing between both worlds,” he said, studying her while he spoke. “Even harder than walking a tightrope.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re here performing one night and then you go off to some fancy event the next night. We’re different people and that’s a different world. It’s one or the other. You can’t have both.”

“I don’t see it that way,” she said, her voice just as strong as his.

“How long do you think it will last?” Marco asked. “If you don’t choose, he’ll ask you to make a choice or worse he’ll choose for you. You realize that, right?”

“I don’t know,” Lola answered honestly. “But I never said I wanted to work at Vauxhall forever.”

“I remember,” Marco said, most of the anger gone from his voice. “You found your way here out of necessity, nothing more.”

Lola offered him a tight smile. “I’m sorry we’ve quarreled lately. I thought we could remain friends.”

“Wearefriends,” Marco said, his expression softening. “But he’ll hurt you. Nobs always do. And I don’t want that to happen to you.” He cleared his throat before he continued. “Unless you’re just with Essex so he can fix your family’s problems with the duke. Then you should use the earl before he uses you.”

“No, Marco, it’s not like that,” she snapped, unsure why she’d expected him to change his attitude or understand. “I’m with Lord Essex because I want to be with him.”

“Then I was wrong. You’re not out of danger yet,” he said before he turned and walked away.

Theodore examinedthe parure set inside the velvet box he held and imagined the sapphire and diamond necklace around Lola’s neck, the earbobs dangling from her dainty lobes. She lived among the stars when she balanced on the tightrope. She should have a piece of the night sky sparkling against her skin.

He’d purchased the exquisite pieces earlier that afternoon, anxiously awaiting when he would escort Lola to Prinn’s masquerade ball. Only two days had passed since he’d shared her company and yet he was restless and eager, checking the time and counting the hours until he would see her again.

His carriage rolled to a stop in front of her building and he placed the velvet box on the seat beside him. As he stepped out, the house door opened and Lola came into view at the top of the stairs. She smiled at him and the sight took his breath away.

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