Page 85 of House of Thorns
Then, the music ended.
The ushers brought candles into the audience below. Light filled the room. The audience clapped. Men and women shoutedbrava,brava, just as they had in her dream.
Then, the bells announced the intermission.
Olivia drew a startled breath. How had time passed so quickly?
Then, for the first time, she noticed Deborah fidgeting at her side.
“All will be well, Deborah,” Olivia reassured as they exited the box.
“A message, for Lady Deborah,” one of the ushers approached with a folded letter.
Deborah tensed. At her side, Lord Deveraux and Nicholas exchanged looks.
With shaking hands, Deborah broke the seal.
“It’s from him,” she squeaked.
“What is it?” Nicholas demanded.
“I’m to bring my reticule to the lobby,” she whispered. “That is all.”
“And?” Lord Deveraux prompted.
“He’s to find me there.”
“What the devil?” her fiancé spat.
“We’ll catch him,” Nicholas assured. “And I’ve more than one man lurking around Lady Kendrick. We’ll be watchful of Mr. Pitt or any other who approaches her.”
“Then, shall we?” Lord Deveraux stepped forward.
Deborah descended the stairs, clutching her reticule so tightly her knuckles had turned white. Olivia followed closely behind.
Halfway down, she spied Mr. Pitt bobbing through the crowd, hurrying their way.
So, itwashim.
Olivia glanced at Nicholas, but his gaze was locked on Mr. Pitt, alert, watchful.
“Miss Mackenzie,” Mr. Pitt called. “Miss Mackenzie.” Then, he was pushing straight past Deborah and to herself. “You’re wanted backstage,” he said with a worried frown. “It’s a bit of a disaster, if I say so myself. Florinda’s dressing room.”
Olivia’s eyes widened. “Disaster? Is she well? Can she still sing?” Of course, disaster would strike, and at the worst possible moment.
“Best run,” the man hissed.
Again ignoring Deborah, he hurried away. Olivia stared at his disappearing back. Was he not the blackmailer? He hadn’t so much as spared Deborah a glance.
“It truly sounds important,” Deborah said, turning to her. “You’d best go.”
“How can I leave you?” Olivia gasped.
“I assure you, Deborah is safe in my care,” Lord Deveraux insisted.
Olivia shot Nicholas a quizzical glance.
“Go,” he said, lifting his brow at Mr. Pitt’s disappearing back before glancing back at her. “There’s naught to fret over here. And you’re safe. Mr. Timms’ men have you under their eye, I assure you.”
