Читать книгу Regency Disguise - Gail Whitiker - Страница 14

As it turned out, Laurence was more than happy to escort Victoria to the seventh performance of her play. Having been informed of Miss Wright’s belief that Valentine Lawe would be in the audience, he found it highly amusing that Victoria should be there to witness the excitement and he was quite prepared to go along for the ride. Naturally his accompaniment removed any possible hint of scandal being attached to Victoria’s joining Alistair Devlin and his cousin in her uncle’s box.

As well, in an attempt to keep up appearances, Victoria did not slip into the theatre through the stage door as she had in the past, but instead walked in through the front doors with everyone else. Several people nodded in her direction, but Victoria received no welcome as enthusiastic as that of Miss Wright, when she arrived at the box to find her and Alistair already seated within.

‘Oh, I am so glad you came!’ Miss Wright said. ‘I knew you would be as excited as I by the prospect of finally seeing Valentine Lawe!’

‘It was certainly a big part of my reason for coming,’ Victoria acknowledged, glad Laurence wasn’t around to hear the remark. ‘Good evening, Mr Devlin.’

‘Miss Bretton. Will your brother not be joining us?’

‘He will, but he chanced to see one of his old professors in the vestibule and stopped to have a word.’

Settling into her seat, Victoria cast a surreptitious glance in Alistair’s direction. He was as handsome as ever in a black cutaway coat over an exquisitely embroidered silver waistcoat. Black trousers made him look even taller than he was and his cravat was tied elegantly, but with a minimum of fuss. His hair looked to have been freshly trimmed and his voice … oh, yes, that was definitely a voice that could have stirred the multitudes …

‘—nice of you to offer us the use of your box,’ Miss Wright was saying. ‘If I lived in London I would always take a box for the Season. It’s such fun to watch everyone else. Oh, look, isn’t that Lady Sarah?’

Victoria glanced across the theatre at the row of boxes below hers and saw the young lady in question gazing avidly back at them. Or, more to the point, at Alistair.

‘I’ll wager she’s wondering who you’re with, Cousin,’ Miss Wright said with an impish grin. ‘Are you acquainted with Lady Sarah, Miss Bretton?’

‘I am not,’ Victoria said, returning her attention to the stage where movements behind the curtain indicated that the last of the props were being set out. ‘Except by name.’

‘She’s quite nice, though I can’t imagine why anyone would think she would make a good wife for Cousin Alistair.’

‘Isabelle, you speak of things you should not!’ he said darkly.

‘Do I?’ His cousin blinked. ‘I’m sorry. I thought it was common knowledge that your mother and father were hopeful of a marriage between the two of you.’

‘Whether it is common knowledge or not, it is not the thing to speak of in situations like these.’

‘Situations like what? We are here with Miss Bretton to watch a play. She must be aware of what people in society are saying about you. Everyone else is.’

‘Evening, all,’ Laurence said, stepping into the box.

‘Laurence!’ More grateful than she could say for her brother’s arrival, Victoria grabbed his arm and drew him forwards. ‘You remember Mr Devlin’s cousin?’

‘Of course. Good evening, Miss Wright.’

‘Mr Bretton.’ The girl’s cheeks were two bright spots of colour. ‘How nice to see you again.’

‘And, of course, Mr Devlin.’

‘Your servant, sir.’ Laurence sat down in the chair next to his sister, the one on the other side already occupied by Devlin. ‘My, my, another sold-out performance. This Valentine Lawe certainly knows how to pack them in.’

‘Do you think he’s here?’ Miss Wright asked breathlessly.

‘If he is, none of us will be any the wiser,’ Alistair said. ‘Unless he stands up and proclaims himself.’

‘Which he is hardly likely to do,’ Laurence said. ‘Lawe has taken the art of concealment to a whole new level.’

‘But what has he to conceal?’ Miss Wright asked. ‘Why would anyone so brilliant wish to hide his talent away? If I was that clever, I would stand up and invite the audience’s applause.’

‘Perhaps he is disfigured,’ Alistair suggested. ‘His face too ugly or scarred to be seen.’

‘Or he could just be shy,’ Miss Wright said. ‘A man uncomfortable with all the accolades.’ She turned her head to look at Laurence. ‘What do you think, Mr Bretton?’

Laurence looked decidedly taken aback by the question. ‘Me?’

‘Well, surely you have an opinion as to why the man continues to shun society. Do you believe him ugly or disfigured as my cousin suggests, or do you think he is shy and has no wish for the company of others?’

‘To be honest, I’ve never given it a moment’s thought. I accept the man’s brilliance, but as to his personal likes and dislikes, I have no opinion whatsoever.’

‘And you, Miss Bretton?’ Alistair said. ‘You are keeping rather quiet on the subject.’

‘Only because to speculate on Valentine Lawe’s reasons for remaining anonymous would be a complete waste of time.’ Victoria opened her fan and took care not to look at him. ‘The man himself is the only one who can say why he does not seek recognition.’

‘Oh, look, there is your uncle!’ Miss Wright said, her gaze moving to the stage below. ‘We are about to get underway.’

Fixing her attention on the stage, Victoria quietly exhaled a sigh of relief. She was beginning to hate all this talk about Valentine Lawe. She kept telling herself she had no reason to do so, that Alistair had no way of knowing who she was, and while she was sure his question had been motivated purely out of interest, she was growing more and more uncomfortable with the deception. If ever there was a time to reveal herself, it was now, yet fear of reprisal held her back. She would be risking a great deal more than her reputation if she was to offer up the truth now. There was Winifred’s future to consider and her mother had made it very clear that no one was to do anything that might put that future at risk.

Confessing that she was Valentine Lawe would certainly do that.

More to the point, while it was highly unlikely that Victoria would ever see Alistair Devlin again once they returned to Kent, she would be forced to see her sister every day and to have to listen to her recriminations. She would be made to understand that if Winifred’s marriage plans fell through, it would all be because of her. Somehow, keeping silent about the true identity of Valentine Lawe in the short term seemed a small price to pay for harmony in the years ahead.

That evening’s production of A Lady’s Choice was even more enjoyable than the one Victoria had watched on opening night. Signy’s acting was inspired, her love for Elliot more convincing than in any of her showings thus far. And responding in kind, Victor gave one of the best performances of his life. The rest of the cast were equally impressive and, not surprisingly, the audience’s approval rang long and loud at the end of the performance.

Victoria felt her heart thumping in her chest. To think that her words were having this kind of effect. That her characters and her story had brought the audience to its feet. It was a heady moment and if ever she needed proof that she was pursuing the right path, this must surely be it.

She shared a single glance with Laurie, but knew she dare not risk another. His pride was all too evident.

‘Oh my, that was splendid,’ Miss Wright said as they exited the box. ‘Better even than the first time. Did you not think so, Cousin Alistair?’

‘It was very impressive,’ he agreed. ‘Your uncle is to be commended, Miss Bretton. I thought Miss Chermonde’s performance tonight outstanding.’

‘I’m sure she would be delighted to hear you say so,’ Victoria said. Then, caught up in her enthusiasm and joy, said, ‘Perhaps you and Miss Wright would like to meet her?’

No sooner were the words out of her mouth than Victoria realised she had made a dreadful mistake. She felt both Alistair’s and Laurence’s gazes on her and knew she should not have spoken, but the look of excitement on Miss Wright’s face was not to be denied. ‘You mean … we could actually go backstage and meet Miss Chermonde and Mr Trumphani?’

‘That’s what I was thinking, but it is up to Mr Devlin, of course,’ Victoria said hesitantly.

He was watching her with narrowed eyes, his expression thoughtful. Victoria, who anticipated a quelling set down, was considerably relieved when all he said was, ‘The offer is a generous one, Miss Bretton, but I do not think it would be a good idea. My sister and brother-in-law would not be pleased to hear that Isabelle was associating with … such people.’

Victoria felt the warmth start in her neck and travel upwards until her entire face was engulfed. Of course they wouldn’t be pleased. In the afterglow of her success, she had lost sight of the fact that actors and actresses were not suitable company for people like Alistair Devlin and Isabelle Wright. To introduce Isabelle to Signy Chermonde would not have been to elevate Signy’s standing. It would have been to lower Isabelle’s. ‘Yes, of course. Forgive me. I only thought—’

‘No apologies are necessary,’ Alistair said gently. ‘I know your offer was well intentioned and I’m quite sure Isabelle would love to go backstage. However, there is a good possibility that someone would see her and that would not be good for her reputation. London may be a big city, but news like that makes the rounds very quickly.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Victoria said, biting her lip.

‘We could, however, pay our respects to Uncle Theo,’ Laurence suggested. ‘Surely there could be no objection to Miss Wright meeting him in the privacy of the Green Room. He does, after all, move in very good society.’

Victoria looked up and saw Alistair watching her, the look in his eyes one she hadn’t seen before. ‘I don’t think that would go amiss,’ he agreed. ‘Though it would be better if it were to take place in the vestibule rather than anywhere backstage.’

‘Then I shall go and seek him out,’ Laurence said. ‘And ask him to meet us at the foot of the grand staircase.’

‘Oh, yes, that would be lovely,’ Miss Wright said, clapping her hands. ‘Then he can confirm that I really did see Valentine Lawe in the theatre tonight.’

Victoria blanched. ‘You saw him? Where?’

‘In the first row of boxes. I noticed him when he came in. He walked in a very slow, dignified manner and he was dressed all in black and white.’

‘As were most of the men in the theatre,’ Alistair pointed out.

‘Yes, but when he turned, I noticed that he was wearing a single red rose in his lapel! And I saw a number of the performers glance in his direction. It must have been Valentine Lawe!’

‘Fine. While you speculate as to the likelihood of the playwright being in the audience, I shall go and speak to Lord Gavering,’ Alistair said.

‘And I shall search out Uncle Theo,’ Laurence said with a pointed glance at Victoria. ‘I think I know where he’s likely to be.’

Left alone with Miss Wright, Victoria pointed to the red banquettes lining the wall. ‘Shall we sit down while we wait for the gentlemen to return?’

‘Yes, by all means.’

When they were comfortably seated, Victoria said with a smile, ‘So, are you enjoying your stay in London, Miss Wright?’

‘I am having the very best time, Miss Bretton. Cousin Alistair has been so good to me. Taking me around, making sure I see all the sights and meet all the right people. It has been terribly busy, but very exciting. I shall be quite bereft when I return home. Of course, everyone is anxious that I meet a suitable gentleman and get married. I know that’s why Mama agreed to let me come,’ Isabelle said. ‘But I’m quite happy to visit the shops and go to the theatre and experience all that London has to offer.’

‘How do you like living with Lord and Lady Kempton?’ Victoria asked in a casual voice.

‘Oh. Well, they’re very nice, of course,’ Miss Wright said, blushing. ‘And I know they mean well …’

‘But?’

‘But they are rather boring,’ the girl admitted. ‘It’s not that they mean to be, and I suppose it is terribly ungrateful of me to say so, but it’s just that … the way they carry on is so painfully …’

‘Correct?’ Victoria supplied helpfully.

‘Exactly! Lord Kempton is very strict, and Cousin Julia and her husband even more so. But then I suppose an archdeacon and his wife must be more mindful of the proprieties than most.’

‘Yes,’ Victoria allowed grudgingly, ‘which is why Mr Devlin has to be very careful about how you go on while you are here.’

‘I suppose. Still, I should have loved to go backstage and meet the cast of A Lady’s Choice,’ Miss Wright confessed. ‘If Cousin Alistair is allowed to involve himself with orphans, I don’t see why I can’t—’

‘Orphans?’ Victoria interrupted.

‘Oh dear, I don’t think I was supposed to say anything about that,’ Miss Wright said. ‘But I suppose it’s too late now. And I really don’t see why he doesn’t want to tell anyone. It’s not as though he was doing anything wrong.’

‘What exactly is he doing?’ Victoria asked.

‘Well, I don’t know all the details, but I overheard him talking to Lord Valbourg the other evening and I think he’s bought a house with a view to turning it into an orphanage. Apparently he already has a place in town that he uses for the purpose, but it’s not big enough any more, so he bought a larger house and plans to renovate it. I think Lord Valbourg is going to help him.’

‘I had no idea,’ Victoria said, trying to imagine Alistair Devlin in such a benevolent role. Instead of squandering his wealth on prostitutes and gambling, he was using it to help children whose circumstances had forced them to find a living on the streets. To think she had accused him of being selfish. ‘I wouldn’t have thought him the type to get involved in such a cause,’ she whispered.

‘He doesn’t talk about it much,’ Miss Wright admitted. ‘I’m not even sure my aunt and uncle know, but I don’t think they would be terribly pleased if they did.’

And then, Victoria had another disturbing thought. Was that where he had been going the day he had come upon her at the Gryphon? Was that the stop he had been intending to make? He’d made it sound as though he was on his way to visit a woman—and she had left him in no doubt as to how she felt about his doing so. But if he had been planning to visit an orphanage, why hadn’t he told her? Why had he let her believe his destination was somewhere else, with an entirely different purpose in mind? Had he wanted her to think ill of him?

Regrettably, it was a question for which there was to be no answer. Laurence returned with their uncle and, at the same time, Alistair came back to join them.

‘Well, well, Devlin, we meet again,’ Uncle Theo said. ‘I’m surprised to see you here a second time.’

‘If someone had told me a few weeks ago that I would be heading to any theatre to see a repeat performance of a play, I would have told them they were mad,’ Alistair said with a smile. ‘But apart from my cousin insisting we come tonight, it was a pleasure to see the play again. The cast gave an even stronger performance than they did on opening night.’

‘I am delighted to hear you say so,’ Uncle Theo said. ‘Did you enjoy the performance, Miss Wright?’

‘Indeed, Mr Templeton! Especially once I realised that Valentine Lawe was actually in the theatre!’

Victoria knew her uncle to be a talented actor, but even she hadn’t realised how talented until that moment. He looked at Miss Wright without blinking and said, ‘And he did not come up and say hello? The bounder! Where did you see him?’

‘In the first row of boxes, second from the left,’ Miss Wright said. ‘A very serious-looking man, with a red rose in his lapel.’

‘A red rose.’ Her uncle frowned, and then, started to laugh. ‘My dear Miss Wright, I am sorry to disappoint you, but that was not Valentine Lawe.’

‘It wasn’t?’’

‘No. It was Sir Michael Loftus, the theatre critic.’

‘It was?’ It was Victoria’s turn to be surprised. ‘But … I thought he never attended plays more than once.’

‘That was my understanding too, but I know for a fact that he was here tonight and that he was sitting in that box.’

‘Oh well, that is disappointing,’ Miss Wright complained. ‘I was so sure it was Valentine Lawe.’

‘Never mind, cousin, at least you were able to see the play again,’ Alistair said. ‘I’m sure you will have a chance to meet the renowned playwright before you leave London.’ He turned his head and looked straight at Victoria. ‘If there is any possibility of that happening, I’m sure Miss Bretton will know how to bring it about.’

Victoria didn’t hear what anyone said in response. How could she, given the staggering implication of what Alistair had just said? He believed his cousin would achieve the introduction she so desperately craved … and that Victoria would be the one to make it happen. There was only one possible conclusion she could draw from that.

Somehow or other, Alistair had figured out that she was Valentine Lawe!