The Scandalous Deal of the Scarred Lady by Hanna Hamilton

Author:Hanna Hamilton [Hamilton, Hanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-10T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

T he spell did not last long although it seemed like forever. It was a young man who came forward, his expression curious and without animosity.

“Your Grace, it is ever a delight to see you.” Bravely he came forward to clasp the Duke of Durham’s hand as though there were nothing amiss. His action broke the spell, a quiet murmur rising up around them, but lacking the gaiety. There was a harshness to the whispers spoken behind the fans of the ladies present.

Helena found herself drawing nearer the Duke who tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow again as though it were the most natural thing in the world to do and with a bow introduced his friend though the title flew over Helena’s head, the name vague in her ears. Barton or Marwood or some such.

She curtseyed when Phoebe did, murmuring how it was a pleasure to meet him, all the while wanting nothing more than to turn and run. But the Duke held her hand fast and so it was she had no recourse but to see this through, moving with relief when he did, as he led them into a long hall with many doors and a handful of other theatre patrons likewise seeking out their seats.

“Hold your head high. Remember you are better than they are, My Lady,” he advised so softly she was unsure whether she even heard him correctly.

Helena gave him a startled glance but did as he bid, forcing a smile upon lips that felt cold and numb, nodding pleasantly as they passed someone walking the other way.

Phoebe was on her other side somewhere slightly behind them. Even without seeing her, Helena knew she would be walking stiff, her spine, straight and unyielding. How disappointed her aunt must be to have this outing spoiled in such a way. Helena took a breath and resolved to see this through, to make the evening as pleasant as possible for her aunt. Did she not owe her that much?

They stopped before a door, opened by a uniformed attendant, revealing a box, a tiny balcony all their own that was placed just above the main floor, away from the crowds. The seats were plush and exquisitely comfortable as Helena discovered when she sank into one gratefully.

Was this where the Duke normally sat for theatre performances or had he been as thoughtful as this, to provide a small space away from the prying eyes of those around them? She had little time to think on it for she was distracted by the first instruments singing out in the discordant concerto of that seemed so much noise that came of tuning instruments and preparing to play.

The lights dimmed, gaslights turning low, as the crowd around them quieted, until there were only soft rustles of clothing from those attending and the occasional cough.

What followed should have been the pinnacle of everything that Helena had witnessed thus far in her life. The music was exquisite, the pieces familiar but played in such a way that they transported her outside of herself.

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.