Stages of Desire by Julia Tagan

Author:Julia Tagan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2014-09-11T18:52:33+00:00

Chapter 11

William battled his way to the dressing rooms through the merry mob, congratulating Toby and Mrs. Kembler as he passed, as well as scores of other actors whose names he didn’t know. Spirits were high.

Adam, still in his costume, did a little jig. “We did it, didn’t we?”

“You certainly did. What a show. It was brilliant.”

“Thank goodness for Harriet, we wouldn’t have stood a chance with anyone else taking over that part.”

“Where is she?”

Adam pointed to one of the dressing room doors before being swept up by a group of well wishers.

The door was partly open and William peered inside.

Harriet, wearing a thin silk dressing gown, held court before half a dozen admirers and cast members, all drinking glasses of champagne and talking loudly over one another.

“William, come in, we’re celebrating. Do join us.” Harriet’s eyes gleamed and she hadn’t yet removed her stage make-up. Close up, the greasepaint made her eyes dark and foreboding and when she smiled, her red lips widened garishly. He found it rather unnerving to look at her. But the ingratiating actor who had portrayed Orlando had no such qualms. He perched on the dressing table next to her, so close he was almost touching her arm.

“No, thank you.” William stood stiffly, feeling ever the outsider. “I stopped by to say well done. I’ll wait for you outside to escort you back to the hotel.”

“Back to the hotel?”

“No, no, you can’t take her away.” Orlando nudged Harriet playfully with his knee. “Harry’s the talk of the town. We’re heading across the street for a celebratory drink, and she’s got to be there.”

The man’s use of Harriet’s nickname made William want to punch him. “You appear to be celebrating already.”

“Just a bit of fun after a long night,” said Harriet. “Please, have a glass of champagne.”

Wasn’t this exactly what the duchess was concerned about? His role as chaperone couldn’t have been clearer. He addressed the room, avoiding Harriet’s eyes. “I’d like to speak to Miss Farley alone, please.”

Harriet gave William a puzzled look before shooing them out. “Go on, I’ll catch up with you in a moment.”

He closed the door and watched her reflection in the mirror as she wiped off her makeup, her familiar features slowly emerging.

Harriet regarded him warily. “You don’t seem pleased, my lord. I don’t know if you noticed, but we received a standing ovation from an audience that was prepared to fling rotten eggs at us at the top of the show.”

“I did notice. The show was excellent. You were excellent.”

She softened and gave him a shy smile. “Thank you. Then why are you in such a foul mood?”

“I’m not, it’s just—”

A knock at the door interrupted him. Mr. Wilkinson entered, grinning from ear to ear and carrying a bouquet of roses.

“My lord.” He nodded to William. “And my dear Miss Farley, these are from some of your admirers. I promised I’d hand them to you personally.”

Harriet placed the roses on the dressing table. “Thank you, Mr. Wilkinson.”

“It is I who must thank you.

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