Dancing On Air

by Hurley-Moore, Nicole

‘Thank you, Madame... I suppose that was the reassurance that I was looking for,’ Tinder said as he rose from the chair. He walked to door but paused and looked over his shoulder. ‘Business aside, I would hate to see Lisette ever get hurt... She is such sweet girl.’

  ‘I’m sure between us, Mr Michaels, we can make sure that Lisette is always protected,’ Marie answered with a knowing smile.

  ‘Yes, yes we can,’ he said before he disappeared through the doorway.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Lisette slipped out the stage door into the late afternoon light. The brightness of the outside world made her narrow her eyes for a second until they adjusted from the dark of the theatre. Sally had promised to stay behind and misdirect anyone who should coming looking for her. Aunt Marie was enclosed in her office and would probably not venture out until the performance.

  Walking down the lane, she wished she had something nicer to wear. She wore her best dress — it was better than her grey one, but not by much. It was made of dark blue wool with a rounded neck and tight-fitting sleeves. A small trail of pearl buttons began at the top of her bodice and stopped at her waist. Around her shoulder she wore her shawl and her long hair was piled up in a loose bun. The buttons were her only adornment, as she owned no jewellery, not even something that had once been her mother’s. The only piece that had been kept was the large cameo, which Aunt Marie wore constantly at her throat.

  Everything had been sold when Lisette’s mother had died. Aunt Marie had always said that it was through the need to raise funds, so that she and Lisette could live, and that even though everything had been lost, one day she would have the cameo.

  But as Lisette made her way to the Hearth Fire she wished that her appearance was not quite so shabby. At night, through the magic of the gaslights, costumes and make up she was transformed into a bejewelled princess or a delicate fairy. The afternoon sun stripped away the illusions of the night and left Lisette with stark reality.

  Once, twice, her steps faltered and, out of a mixture of fear and embarrassment, she almost turned back to the theatre. She took a breath and forced herself to go on. Both Evander and Sally had urged her to take a risk, a chance so that she could experience life. So, just this once, she would do as they asked and risk everything.

  The Hearth Fire’s kitchen door was slightly ajar as Lisette approached. Tantalizing aromas escaped from the heavy wooden door and wove their enticing magic down the street. Without any more hesitation, Lisette gently knocked on the door and let herself into the small kitchen. Ropes of strung garlic and onions hung above the window, and on the bench was a batch of freshly baked rolls. The hot air of the kitchen was infused with scents of apples and cinnamon.

  Uncle Hans looked up from his pot-cluttered stove. ‘Ah, Lisette come in, come in. The boy is here and has paced a track in my floor! He was worried that you would not come, but I said “if my little bird said she would come, she will”!’

  Lisette crossed the kitchen and gave Hans a peck on the cheek. ‘Thank you for letting us meet here. I know you do not open until later.’

  ‘Pish, I need no thanks. The boy bribes me with coins and compliments my food. Why would I refuse? Besides, I want you to be happy,’ Hans said as he started to stir the nearest saucepan. ‘Go through and I will bring you something in a few minutes.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Lisette said as stepped through the door that led to the dining room.

  Evander had his elegantly dressed back to her, and was staring out the window.

  ‘Hello.’

  Evander whirled around. His face brightened as his eyes fell on her. A dark lock of his hair fell over his forehead and a slow smile spread over his beautifully formed mouth. Lisette bit the bottom of her lip. In that instant she knew that coming had been a mistake. He crossed the room and in one fluid movement caught her hand and brought it briefly to his lips. They were warm and made her skin tingle where they touched.

  ‘I was beginning to doubt. I thought that you had changed your mind.’ He guided her to the nearest table before pulling out the chair and waiting for her to be seated.

  ‘Thank you,’ Lisette said as she watched him sit down.

  He stared at her longer than he ought and Lisette felt the heat in her cheeks begin to rise. She felt uncomfortable and didn’t know where to look. ‘Goodness, Lord Gainswith...whatever are you staring at?’

  ‘Perfection.’

  ‘I hardly believe that. If you see in me perfection, then I have grave fears for your eyesight,’ Lisette said.

  Evander chuckled. He reached over and picked up a bottle of wine. ‘Beauty, then.’

  ‘Thank you, it is kind of you to say so...but again I believe your eyesight is more than a little faulty.’

  Evander began to pour the wine but Lisette quickly shook her hand as the liquid barely reached half way up the flute.

  ‘That is enough. I must dance tonight.’

  ‘Very well,’ Evander said as he poured himself a drink. ‘So, tell me everything there is to know about you.’

  ‘Everything?’ Lisette raised her brow.

  ‘But of course.’

  ‘There is hardly anything to my life. I dance, I sleep and then I dance again,’ Lisette said.

  ‘There is more than that,’ Evander said. ‘Please, tell me.’

  Lisette let out a sigh. ‘Very well. My mother was Mélisande Devoré. She was considered one of the best ballerinas of her time. We lived in Paris, in a small apartment off the Rue de la Victoire and both my mother and Aunt danced at the Paris Opéra. When I was almost eight years old she died. Aunt Marie and I stayed in the apartment for awhile, I think, but then we came to England.’

  ‘You think?’

  ‘I was young and missing my mother. The time seems to all merge together and I can’t really remember,’ Lisette said. ‘But it was after my aunt’s accident.’

  Evander looked at her with interest but said nothing.

  ‘She hurt her knee and was unable to dance anymore. Anyway, she secured work at the Imperial Theatre as a ballet mistress and has been there ever since.’

  ‘So you grew up there?’

  ‘Yes. Now, since I have answered your questions, I believe it is your turn to do the same.’

  ‘My past is not at all interesting and certainly doesn’t have anything as romantic as the Paris Opéra, but very well. I am the almost paupered second son of a Duke. My brother is the Marquess of Coltswood.’

  ‘Almost paupered? Whatever do you mean?’

  ‘Just that the lion share of the family estate is still in the capable hands of my father and the rest of it is managed by Alistair. I barely have anything,’ Evander said.

  ‘Hmm, I believe, my lord, our ideas of barely having anything differ greatly.’

  ‘Perhaps, but won’t you call me Evander?’

  ‘Perhaps,’ Lisette said with a smile.

  ‘I thought your performance was glorious last night.’

  ‘Thank you. The part was not mine, but since Bessie did not turn up for last night’s performance she has lost it.’

  ‘One of your dancers is missing?’

  ‘Hmm, I am a little worried. It is not like Bessie to miss a performance, particularly when she was give a part that elevated her from the corps de ballet. We sent one of the stagehands to her lodgings but she was not there,’ Lisette said. But before she could continue her thought, Uncle Hans appeared carrying a tray.

  ‘I have lamb stew with crisp bread rolls,’ Hans said with a proud grin as he placed the meals in front of Lisette and Evander. ‘I would normally ask you if you like my food. I would stand and watch and fish for compliments, but today I think I am too busy in the kitchen. So there is nothing else to say but: enjoy!’

  ‘Thank you,’ Lisette grinned as he walked away. Turning her head back to Evander she saw that his eyes were closed and he was inhaling the fragrant aroma of the dish. ‘Wait until you taste it.’

  Evander opened his eyes and looked sheepish. ‘It smells delicious.�
�

  ‘Uncle Hans is a magician. His meals are simple but they taste...magnifique.’

  Then we should eat before it gets cold,’ Evander said.

  Lisette nodded and took a bite. The stew was delicious and it made her realise how hungry she was. She dipped her fork again and scooped up another little mouthful. Then she reached over and broke a piece of bread off the roll. She felt Evander’s eyes on her and she looked up.

  ‘You don’t like the stew?’

  ‘Yes, it’s wonderful. I’m sorry, I did not mean to stare, but you eat like a bird: small, delicate and barely a spoonful,’ Evander said.

  ‘I do no such thing. I eat enough and I eat until I am full,’ Lisette said with a shake of her head. ‘And after tonight’s performance I will eat supper.’

  ‘Then have it with me. Say that we will meet after tonight’s performance.’

  ‘I cannot. I would need time and a little cunning to slip away from my aunt.’

  Evander nodded, and Lisette swore that she could almost see his mind working.

  ‘I understand, no matter. I have all confidence that we can circumvent your aunt, but you are right — it will take a little preparation.’

  Evander resumed eating and a silence settled over them. Lisette peeked up through her lashes and stared at his handsome face. She doubted that she would ever tire looking at him. That dark lock of hair kept falling over his forehead and Lisette had to stop herself from reaching over and brushing it aside.

  ‘Do you enjoy dancing? I ask because you appear to be passionate about it,’ Evander asked as several minutes had passed.

  ‘Yes. When I dance I feel alive and free,’ Lisette said as she sat back in her chair. ‘And what of you, my lord what are your passions?’

  Evander cocked a brow. ‘My passions are long and varied.’

  ‘How fascinating.’ Lisette felt a smile tug at her mouth. ‘And would you share some of these passions with me?’

  Evander’s eyes warmed and he reached over and took her hand. It was warm and strong and made Lisette’s skin tingle. ‘I would be happy to share, Lisette. Perhaps it would be better if I showed you.’

  His voice was soft and beguiling and Lisette’s heart seemed to skip a beat. She knew that she was playing with fire but something new inside of her bloomed and urged her on.

  ‘Perhaps, Evander, you should.’

  ‘Then are you willing to take a chance and see me again and again?’

  His eyes held her and she was trapped, like a moth in a flame. ‘Yes, I will see you again, but now I must go back to the theatre before I am missed.’

  Evander dropped her hand. ‘Are you running away?’

  ‘Yes, I do believe I am.’

  ‘Stay with me.’

  ‘You move too fast, my lord,’ Lisette said with a shake of her head.

  ‘My heart dictates the pace.’

  Lisette felt the heat in her cheeks as she stood up. ‘Such pretty words, Evander. I swear you could charm the birds from the trees.’

  ‘Stay.’

  Lisette gave him a smile before she turned and headed for the door. Behind her she heard the scrape of his chair and before she could walk out the door, Evander caught her hand.

  ‘Say that you will meet me again soon.’

  ‘Yes.’ Lisette’s eyes held his. ‘Yes, I will...but we must be careful. My aunt can never find out.’

  He brought her hand up to his lips and then at the last moment turned it over and kissed the inside of her wrist. The effect ran up her arm. Lisette’s nipples pebbled and there were contractions deep within her core. It was wrong but felt delicious and for an instant she wondered what it would feel like if Evander kissed her on the lips. Surprised at her reaction, Lisette pulled her hand away. There was a look in his eyes as if he had the ability to see inside her, as if he had seen the result of his kiss had on her body. ‘Goodbye Evander. I must leave.’

  ‘And I shall see you tonight at the performance.’

  ‘You need not come every night, Evander,’ Lisette said.

  ‘Yes, I will. I love to watch you dance, Lisette, and pray that you will not take that away from me,’ he said as, with one last smile, he watched as she slipped out the door. ‘For it is one of my passions.’

  ‘Very well, then I shall see you tonight,’ Lisette said before she turned away and hurried back down the lane.

  Evander leant in the doorway and watched Lisette’s disappearing figure. He had seen her reaction to his kiss and it more than pleased him. His Lisette was a combination of innocence and fire, a contradiction that he longed to explore.

  ‘I hope that you will not toy with Lisette?’

  He spun around and saw Hans standing by the stove.

  ‘I mean her no harm,’ Evander said.

  ‘Perhaps. But Lisette has had a difficult life and I would hate to see you bring more heartache to her.’

  ‘I only wish her well,’ Evander said as he went to walk past Hans.

  The old man snagged his shoulder and brought him to a stop. ‘The girl’s aunt does not love her. She sees her as the means of bettering her own life and nothing more. So I ask...do you want to stand by Lisette or not?’

  ‘I really do not know what you mean,’ Evander said as he shrugged his shoulder and escaped from Hans’ hold.

  ‘It’s simple enough, lad. If you want a casual dalliance with a ballerina, something bright and intriguing that you can boast about to friends with...find another girl. If what you feel for Lisette is deeper then...promise that you won’t hurt her.’

  ‘You are actually asking me about my intentions! Good God Hans, that’s priceless. I do not see how it is any of your business. I think whatever Lis —’

  ‘Yes, it is my concern, my little lord!’ Hans broke in and pinned Evander with an icy stare. ‘No one else is capable of looking out for her. There are consequences to your actions, consequences that have the ability to destroy Lisette. Is that what you want?’

  ‘No, of course not!’

  ‘Then think twice before you act, and not just how you feel but how your actions will ultimately effect Lisette,’ Hans said.

  Evander’s first reaction was one of annoyance that his intentions — his actions — be examined. But when he went to tartly reply, he saw the old man’s concerns mirrored in his face. Lisette had a...difficult life, and whatever Evander did next would impact on her. He would not see her as an easy conquest, easily attained and easily forgotten. There was something about her that already tugged at him, something that was more than sheer lust. Perhaps it was her fragility or loveless childhood that snared him, but he knew that he felt compelled to protect her. But as to his intentions... How could he tell Hans when he didn’t really know himself?

  ‘I understand that you care about her and I promise I will not hurt her. Perhaps I will be able to provide for her in some way.’

  ‘So you wish to make her your whore?’ Hans accused.

  Evander visibly winced at the harshness of the word. ‘No, Lisette would never be that. She is grace and beauty. There is nothing dark or corrupt about her.’

  ‘It would be you doing the corrupting. Do not judge the soiled doves, my little lord. They do what they must to survive. You live in a bright fantasy world, filled with grand houses, money and opportunity. These girls have nothing, and live in the dirt and poverty of the London back streets.’

  ‘I swear, Lisette will never be among them.’

  ‘I will hold you to your oath, little lord. And I pray that you will live up to my expectations and be the man I truly hope you are,’ Hans said before he turned away and started stirring his pots.

  Evander stood there for a moment. He had been dismissed and struggled to know how to react. He took a breath and walked across the room, tossing several coins on the table. Then, picking up his hat, he left by the front door. His temper and ego smarted from the old man’s words but as he journeyed home he found them impossible to shake from his mind.

  And I pray that you
will live up to my expectations and be the man I truly hope you are.

  Lisette burst onto the stage. The blue shirts of the princess costume swirled about her calves. Whether it was an effect of Mr Jack Preston’s review or the knowledge a new ballerina had been discovered at the Imperial, tonight the theatre was packed near to bursting. The music enveloped Lisette as she spun across the floor and into Charlie’s waiting arms. For an instant, she felt as light as the notes, as if she could almost float away.

  Her eyes instinctively were drawn to the first theatre box and found Evander sitting on the nearest edge, smiling down at her. Spurred on by the music and the flutter in her heart she flowed into a pas de chat and was buoyed up by the applause and shouts from the stalls. The minutes slipped by and, before she knew it, she had sunk down into a deep curtsy. The crowd erupted and as she rose she was bombarded with a flurry of flowers thrown at her feet. Quickly, she scooped them up, but it was only the long stemmed pink rose that was tied with the satin ribbon that she brought up to her face and inhaled.

  She stood with an armful of flowers, before curtsying once more. Looking up at Evander, she saw that he was once again on his feet and applauding loudly. She sent Evander a triumphant smile as Charlie escorted her from the stage.

  As she ran off into the wings, she almost bumped into Florentia. It was unusual, as Florentia did not dance in the next scene and, up until now, had never bothered to watch it.

  ‘You danced that well, Lisette,’ Florentia said with a smile that did not reach her eyes.

  ‘Thank you, it is very kind of you to say so.’

  ‘I read the interview by Jack Preston. It appears you have an admirer. I am pleased for you. With hard work, one day you could be a principal dancer... One day,’ Florentia stressed.

  Lisette could feel the thinly veiled animosity and did not understand why. Florentia had always been aloof, but now it was obvious that Lisette had somehow annoyed her. Ever since she was a child she had watched Florentia dance from the wings. Lisette had studied everything from Florentia’s form, skill and how she interpreted the music and applied it to her own dance. She had always admired her grace and had wanted to emulate her. ‘Thank you, one day I hope that I will be able to dance as you do.’