Page 58 of Leap of Faith
“One hurdle down,” Rotham remarked.
“It will be necessary to remain ever vigilant since Dominic has forbidden any associations. He will have to use more drastic means,” Ashley warned.
As the second act was about to begin, the theatre quieted to dull murmurs as everyone made their way back to their seats. A voice cried out in Shakespeare’s most famous Romeo:
What lady is that,which doth enrich the hand
Of yonder knight?
O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o’er her fellows shows.
The measure done, I’ll watch her place of stand,
And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!
For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night!
As Dominic realizedwhat Sir Julian was doing, he had to give the rogue credit for creativity. On the other hand, drawing such attention to Miss Whitford and her sisters in such a fashion, while not ruinous, was undesirable.
“Is he speaking to me?” she leaned over and asked as Sir Julian quoted the Bard and waved a red rose towards her.
“Indeed, he shows his desperation.” Dominic tried to mask the anger he felt. How dare he?
“How romantic!” Hope exclaimed as the crowd cheered loudly and hailed Miss Whitford for a response.
“You are welcome to his attention,” Miss Whitford retorted to Miss Hope.
“Incline your head and smile, Miss Whitford. Everyone is looking at you,” Dominic commanded. “He is the one that looks like a fool.”
She did as he said in a graceful manner.
“Very good. Now turn your gaze to the stage and do not look at him again.”
Thankfully, the manager decided to take back command of the performance. “Unfortunately, sir, you have the wrong play tonight! But if you fail to capture yon maiden’s hand, I am always looking for new talent!”
The crowd guffawed at this insult, and Dominic was thankful to have the attention diverted successfully away from his ward.
As he sat through the next act, he knew he needed to find a way to expose Sir Julian’s wager since he was prepared to be outrageous for the sake of winning. He who cared for reputation and status above all else had just made an utter fool of himself before an entire theatre. As the stakes grew higher and higher, so did the threat to Miss Whitford’s reputation.
CHAPTER14
True to his word, Lord Westwood arrived with their horses and his entourage following closely behind. Instead of heading for the park, Lord Westwood directed them south-east towards the city.
“Where are we going?” Faith asked.
“Somewhere we will not be seen and instantly recognized,” he replied with a sardonic twist to his lips.
