Page 48 of The Quiet Wife
“Have you arranged a box for us?” Frances gasped.
He flashed her a mock outraged look. “Of course! Do you think I would have you in the pits?”
“Frankly, I don’t care where I sit, but a box will be lovely.”
Inside was an absolute crush, but Frances loved every moment. There was something about visiting the theatre that made her tingle inside with happiness. It was a particular interest of hers, and one pleasure she loved to indulge.
“I believe they have begun performances during the day here now?” she turned to Jemie as they walked on.
He nodded. “Matinees, I think they call them. Not sure it will take off,” he shook his head.
“I think it’s a splendid idea. I’d love to go to a matinee performance. Going to the theatre during the day would be such fun.”
Jemie laughed and squeezed her fingers, hugging her hand to his side.
“You are an absolute delight.”
“And you are a genius for suggesting this. How did you know how much I wanted to go to seePygmalionandGalatea?”
“I might have listened to you speak about the theatre once or twice.”
Frances’ breath caught at his thoughtfulness. That he’d heard her talk about the theatre so arranged for her to go. “Am I a dreadful bore about it?” she worried.
For once his eyes were difficult to read. “Never.”
Frances waited whilst Mr Rossetti opened the door to the box, then pushed it open with a theatrical flourish. She lifted the silk drapery with a gloved hand and walked in.
“Oh… oh, my word,” she breathed as she marvelled at the sheer opulence. It wasn’t a huge theatre, just two tiers, but the ceiling, adorned with glorious paintings, stole her breath.
“It’s splendid,” Lizzie squeezed her arm. “Come on, move up. You’re blocking the door.”
Frances shook herself. “Sorry,” she moved to the chairs lined by the edge of the box. She sensed rather than felt Jemie’s hand hovering by the small of her back as he guided her to sit beside Lizzie. Mr Rossetti was on the end, so she perched on the chair beside Lizzie and Jemie sat beside her, close enough for her to feel the warmth from his body. It made her heart flutter even more to be so near to him.
A hush fell over the theatre as the lights gradually dimmed. She had heard all about the new method that allowed the lights to be subdued so it was wonderful to see it.
“I love how they do that,” Frances whispered to Jemie, “I read about it. It’s awfully clever.”
He beamed at her and winked, making her blush.
They sat in the darkness as the performance began. A light shone down on the man stood on the stage alone, and she sat forward, not wishing to miss a single thing.
To her surprise, Jemie sat forward too and gave her a conspiratorial grin as the man on the stage spoke and they lost themselves in the production.
When it was over, and the lights came on causing them to blink, they applauded madly.
“Did it live up to your expectations?” Jemie said, leaning closer.
“Oh yes! Everything and more.” It was true. It had been glorious.
“You should come to the theatre more often.”
“I think you are right,” Frances smiled at him. He was close to her and looking at her with those sparkling eyes. Starlight eyes. The thought made her smile.
“What?” Jemie lowered his voice. “What made you smile so?”
“I was just thinking.”
He seemed like he might press for more but didn’t. He reached out and touched her hand briefly before retracting it.
