Page 33 of Foolish Bride
Marlton adjusted the rose in the vase near the window. “How odd for him to take an assignment now that he is titled.”
It was likely her father was tired of his life in London and ready for whatever life he had in Spain.
The theatre was crowded. Crushes of people met in the lobby. Marlton pushed through and the two ladies followed closely behind. Once they reached the Marlton box, Elinor let out the breath she’d been holding.
Dory arrived with her mother a few minutes later, but Lady Castlereagh did not remain for more than three minutes, claiming a prior engagement. It was more likely that she still hadn’t gotten over the fact that a member of the peerage had stooped to marry an American of no birth.
Elinor watched the crowd roll in like a wave. She loved the theatre. It was always lively. It didn’t even matter if the play was good or bad. If it was good, people would be animated and talk of the brilliance of the actor or the story. They would say how it was a triumph for the director or playwright. There would be talk of whose salon the playwright was spending time in, and that would start an entire discussion about the salons. If terrible, people would go on about how the lead man couldn’t carry it off. Or they might say that the script was inadequate for the talent of the actors. In any case, there would be high emotions in the theatre, and she loved to watch as they developed.
“Sorry, what was that?” Elinor only caught the tail end of whatever Dory said.
Dory gave Elinor a sympathetic look. “I was just asking if you are nervous.”
Elinor looked back at the throng of people. “No. I do not feel nervous at all.”
“That’s good.”
“Do you know what the play is about?” Elinor asked.
“No. But word is that there will be scandal.” Dory smiled with glee at the prospect.
“Oh good. There’s nothing like a good scandal.”
Dory looked out over the bustling theatre. “You do love all the drama, don’t you?”
Elinor nodded. The heavy curtains were drawn, but she imagined elaborate sets lay behind and actors rushed around preparing for the night. Her heart beat wildly.
“Good evening, ladies,” a deep voice said from behind them.
They turned to find Middleton had joined them in the box.
Making a pretty curtsy, Dory said, “How do you do, your grace?”
He was staring at Elinor, then turned to Dory. “It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Dorothea.”
Excusing herself, Dory went and sat with Sophia.
“How are you tonight, Lady Elinor?” He stepped closer.
She looked up at his handsome face, his features chiseled to perfection. Looking very fine in his crisp black evening coat and white cravat, he was perfect by London standards. He obviously liked her a great deal. For him to come and greet her publicly was a great boon to her, and all she could think was how happy Mother would be when she heard about it tomorrow. It was strange that when Middleton was near, her first thoughts were of her mother.
“I am very well, your grace. I hope you are the same.”
His smile revealed those straight white teeth and made his eyes sparkle. “I am. I trust you will enjoy the play. It is getting some good reviews.”
“I love the theatre. It is of little consequence if the play is good or bad. It’s so distracting.”
“Do you require a great deal of distraction?”
Did she? She certainly appreciated distraction. She loved to make her lists, which was a distraction of a kind. “No more than I deserve.”
He laughed. “I never know what to make of you, Lady Elinor.”
“Must you make something of me, your grace?”
“I think I would be foolish not to try to figure out how your mind works.”
“Oh my.” It was an absurd notion than anyone would care to figure her out. “That might take you some time to work out.”
