Page 39 of A Fake Courtship with the Duke
“If your favourite one is one composed by Mozart, there’s no harm in that,” he said. “My personal favourite is ‘The Marriage of Figaro.’”
Anne grinned. She could hardly believe it, and she had to steady her breathing before she spoke again.
“That happens to be my favourite, as well,” she said bashfully.
The duke grinned.
“What a coincidence,” he said impishly. “Mozart truly is a master of his craft. I daresay that none deserve accolades more than he.”
Anne nodded excitedly.
“He is a musical genius, to be sure,” she said. “I attribute his talent and inspiration to my love for music.”
Richard nodded, his smile so warm and genuine.
“I think I wouldn’t have such a great love for the opera, were it not for his incomparable skills,” he said.
Anne felt as though they were riding on clouds. She had never been able to discuss music or composers with anyone in such depth. Nor had she met anyone who shared her fondness for her favorite opera, or for Mozart himself. It felt too good to be true, and she discretely pinched herself to ensure that she wasn’t dreaming. Even the thought of how her relationship with theduke was only pretend didn’t dampen her spirits as the carriage reached town.
When they reached the theater, however, her heart sank a little. No sooner than the duke had helped her alight from the carriage did the stares and whispers begin. The duke, ever the elegant and poised gentleman, held his head high as he escorted her to his private box. He blatantly ignored everyone who gaped at them, not bothering to offer any pleasantries or expected greetings. He left several more stares in his wake by doing so. And Anne couldn’t help but giggle.
The grandeur of the opera box left Anne astounded. The lavish decor, the purple plush velvet seats, and the full view of the entire stage were beyond anything she had ever imagined. It was certainly a far cry from the usual upper tier gallery seats her father purchased for their family when they attended the theater. He could have afforded better, more expensive seating. But he was always expecting Anne to make a spectacle, so he chose not to invest much in the outings. Susan and she had also attended the opera together, but they had always been in the standing area. But in the splendor of the duke’s private box, all those thoughts and memories were washed away.
As Richard got himself settled in the seat beside her, the faint scent of his sandalwood cologne intensified her awareness of his presence. The subtle fragrance filled her senses, and Anne found herself unable to concentrate on anything but the proximity of the duke that the world thought she would soon be courting.Would wish that I was,she thought wistfully as the curtain slowly rose on the stage. She realized she meant the thought as soon as she had it. And she let herself imagine for a moment that it could really happen.
The opening scene of Figaro’s and Susanna’s wedding was revealed, and Anne immediately recognized the opera as ‘TheMarriage of Figaro’. She smiled at the duke, who gave her one of his heart-stopping winks.
“Surprise,” he said.
Anne blushed, beaming at him.
“How delightful,” she gushed. “Thank you so very much.”
Richard pretended to bow as he sat in his seat.
“My pleasure, Miss Huxley,” he said warmly.
Anne was instantly enthralled. She had seen the opera a couple of times. But she was just as enthralled with it as she had been the very first time. As the count entered the stage, professing his desire to exercise his right to the bride on her wedding night, Anne’s heart squeezed. She could imagine the feeling of being forced to touch a man she didn’t want. And as Figaro was reminded of his debt to Marcellina and the prospect of being married to her to pay off what he owed, Anne listened intently. Suddenly, she noticed a parallel between the opera and her own life, one which had never applied before. She was pretending to court the duke to avoid being forced into a marriage. And he was doing the same with her.
During intermission, the duke turned to Anne, his cheeks flushed from laughter at the actors’ antics during the comedic scenes.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.
Anne nodded eagerly, clasping her hands together and placing them against her bosom.
“Oh, yes, Your Grace,” she said, positively brimming with pleasure and joy. “These actors are truly exceptional.”
Richard nodded, his grin widening.
“I believe this is the best performance I have ever seen of this play,” he said. “Perhaps, the best opera performance I have ever seen altogether.”
Anne nodded once again, surprised at their common remarks about the performance.
“I believe that man is the best casting for Figaro I have ever seen,” she said.
The duke looked surprised, and Anne knew what he was going to say before he spoke.
“As do I,” he said. “Fancy that. We seem to be very much of the same mind about the opera.”
