Runaway Hearts by Aston Alexa

Author:Aston, Alexa
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2021-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Emma slipped out of the dress she’d worn to the opera and handed it to Ethel. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and was happy no strands had come loose from her chignon. She noticed her flushed cheeks and chalked it up to the excitement from Renata’s opening night performance. Or because she would be attending her first ball in years. Yet she knew she told herself a fib.

She was excited because Rye Callahan would be downstairs at the gala.

As Bettina’s maid helped her into the elaborate ball gown, Emma tried to quell her nerves. She’d been jumpy ever since her chance encounter with Rye at the bookstore on Larimer Square. Tonight, though, she planned to take the bull by the horns, a phrase she’d picked up from Walt Devinde. She refused to shy away from the handsome detective. Although Eddie had mentioned to Bettina that the Pinkertons would be working at the ball, Emma knew Renata would wait until the gala was in full swing before she made her grand entrance. She hoped that would give her the opportunity to engage Rye in conversation— or perhaps even a dance before duty called. Her father had wanted her to enjoy life and step out from the shadows.

Maybe now was the time to throw caution to the wind.

“Oh, you look a sight, Miss Emma,” Ethel remarked. “Denver men won’t know what hit ‘em when they see you in that dress.”

“Thank you, Ethel. You’ve raised my spirits and my confidence. I’ve never worn something quite so extravagant.”

“You’re a sight for sore eyes. Do you need anything else, Miss?”

“No. I’m sure Bettina will be ready for you now.”

The servant snorted. “Miss Bettina’s probably still falling all over that singing woman, hanging on her every word.”

She laughed. “Bettina is quite devoted to Miss Abetelli, but I think she’ll be more than happy to put on a beautiful ball gown and help serve as the hostess of her father’s gala. Thank you for your help, Ethel.”

As the maid left, Emma decided to change her shoes. She located the pair she wanted and slipped into them, laughing to herself about Bettina’s infatuation with Renata. The prima donna, along with Ivar and Eddie, had accompanied them home in the Devinde carriage, the young woman chattering away about the evening and Renata’s performance, in particular. Bettina had trailed the opera singer up the stairs to her room, which is why Emma knew she had time to seek Ethel’s help in changing gowns before Bettina needed her maid.

She took one last look in the mirror, happy at what she saw. The azure ball gown was worth every penny she’d spent on it. She left her room and moved down the carpeted hallway, spying Bettina standing in Renata’s doorway. As she arrived, Emma saw the frustrated look on the soprano’s face and knew the woman had come to the end of her rope.

Intervening before Renata hurt Bettina’s feelings, Emma said, “Bettina, I just sent Ethel to your room.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.