Dancing On Air

by Hurley-Moore, Nicole

  ‘Thank you, Tinder — it is very beautiful.’

  With a nod he disappeared through the door.

  ‘So, what do you think?’ Marie asked as she sat down on the chaise. ‘Is it not beautiful? Is it not everything you ever dreamed of?’

  ‘Yes, Aunt Marie. It is lovely...’ Her words hung in the air as if she had not or could not finish her train of thought.

  ‘But! But you are worried about what Florentia will think.’ Marie’s hands gestured in the air with impatience.

  ‘But won’t she see this as a blow? I mean she had just had her accident, discovered she has broken her ankle and then thrown out of her own dressing room. What if it’s all too much for Florentia to bear?’

  ‘If you think Florentia is that fragile, then you truly don’t know her at all. Her things were all packed carefully and delivered personally by Tinder. He also took her wages, and an enormous bouquet of flowers and the assurances that The Imperial will always be there for her. What she does next is all up to her.’

  ‘Oh I see.’

  ‘Yes, it appears that Mr Michaels is almost as soft hearted as you. We can only pray he has more brains.’

  ‘Yes, Aunt.’

  Marie stood up and then, limping slightly, walked to the door. ‘It has taken you years to get to this point. This is what all the hard work and endless hours of practice has been about. You are the principal dancer, Lisette. I wish you would try and act like it.’

  That evening after the performance there was a firm knock on her door. Lisette poked her head out from behind the gilt screen where she was changing out of her costume.

  ‘Enter!’

  The door swung open and Evander stood there with an armful of pale pink roses and carrying a basket. The smile on his face made Lisette’s heart beat a little faster.

  ‘How did you know I was here?’

  ‘Tommy said that they had given you your own dressing room. Besides, London is already abuzz with gossip.’ He deposited the roses in her arms before dropping a lingering kiss upon her mouth.

  As he pulled away Lisette rewarded him with a bright smile. ‘Hmmm, I am so glad that you are here.’

  ‘And where else would I be?’

  ‘But wait... What gossip?’

  ‘Oh, that The Imperial has a new prima ballerina and that she surpasses all that have come before her. They say that you are quite possibly the best ballerina of not just London but of Europe. In fact I overheard the comment that an angel was dancing on the old Imperial stage.’

  Lisette felt her cheeks warm with embarrassment and she brought the bouquet up to her face and inhaled its fragrance. ‘That is terribly kind but I think an overstatement.’

  ‘Nonsense, you are sublime.’ He led her by the hand to the chaise. Evander placed the dark wicker basket between them and then opened the lid. ‘See, I have brought us a light supper.’

  Lisette peered in. The basket was lined with pretty blue satin and filled with small glass containers, rose-ringed plates and two champagne flutes.

  ‘You prepared this?’

  ‘No love, I had the head chef of Finlay’s prepare it for us.’

  Lisette quirked up an eyebrow, ‘Very nice, but how is that possible for a nearly paupered son of a Duke? Finlay’s is one of the most fashionable and expensive restaurants in London.’

  ‘And this nearly beggared me,’ Evander teased as he eased open the champagne cork. ‘I am all but destitute.’

  ‘Hmm, I feel I should show you what it truly is to be poor,’ Lisette said.

  Evander ignored her words and concentrated in pouring her a flute of champagne. ‘Now, now... Tonight is a celebration. Let us save discussions of a serious nature for tomorrow.’

  Lisette accepted the glass he held out to her. ‘And what are we celebrating?’

  ‘You and this dressing room and that you are The Imperial’s principal ballerina.’ He filled his glass and then clinked it gently against hers in a salute. ‘To my beautiful and talented Lisette, ballerina extraordinaire and keeper of my heart.’

  Lisette took a sip and then stared at Evander. ‘Am I, Evander? Am I truly the keeper of your heart?’

  He took the glass from her trembling hand and placed it on the small gypsy table with his own. The atmosphere in the room changed from teasing and light-hearted remarks to something more. He reached out his hand and gently brushed aside a strand of her hair. His finger lingered on her cheek and Lisette felt her stomach tighten.

  ‘I mean every word. I am in love with you, Lisette. I think I have been ever since I saw you walk into the Hearth Fire. I hope you love me, because I so want us to have a future together.’

  Lisette swore that her heart lurched in response to his words. She lifted up her hand and covered Evander’s. ‘Yes, I love you... Of course I love you,’ she said with a widening smile. ‘Did you really need to ask?’

  ‘No, I just wanted you to say the words.’

  His lips touched hers and all she could think about was how blessed she was. Somehow she had met a man who made her heart dance and her body quiver in desire. She loved him and he her, and that was miraculous. She wrapped her arms about Evander and held him close. They would have a life together and be with each other every day. And Lisette’s heart swelled with joy.

  CHAPTER SIX

  A smile touched Evander’s lips as he looked down at Lisette spinning on the stage.

  ‘Good Lord, Evander — she is faultless,’ Alistair said with awe in his voice.

  ‘Yes, she is,’ Evander agreed before he leant forward and looked past his brother. ‘Well, what do you think of the ballet, Victoria?’

  Lady Victoria Dalius lowered her opera glasses and dragged her gaze away from the performance. ‘I believe the ballet is wonderful and so is Miss Devoré. She is so light and delicate, I almost believe she is a fairy.’

  Lady Victoria was Alistair’s fiancée. Their wedding would take place at the end of next spring. Alistair had been right when he had told Evander that this marriage was fait accompli. Their families had always been close and both saw the advantages of the union. Close indeed, since Dalius’ land bordered Gainswith Park. Eventually Alistair finally gave under the pressure and proposed. At least Alistair could count his blessings. He may have been coerced into the marriage but he could not find a sweeter girl in all of England. Evander doubted that there was any affection between Alistair and Victoria but he was sure there was friendship.

  Victoria was by no means the most exotic bird in the menagerie, but in Evander’s opinion she certainly was the most genuine. She possessed honey-coloured hair, a smooth complexion and soft grey eyes. Victoria was a pretty woman but her most attractive quality was her wit.

  Tonight she wore a sleeveless silk gown in deep peach and long, white gloves that extended past her elbows. She had swept her hair up into a soft bun with Josephine curls falling over her forehead. A simple pearl choker was about her neck and from it fell a large diamond encrusted locket, which had been a gift from Alistair. In her hair an en tremblant diamond and ruby butterfly flitted with each of Victoria’s movements.

  Evander’s gaze fell upon the locket and he realized that he had been remiss when it came to purchasing trinkets for Lisette. She did not wear jewellery but Evander thought it was because she did not possess any rather than it being a preference. Soon, he would set things right and buy her something pretty that would make her smile.

  They turned back to the stage and watched in enchanted silence as the fairy led her prince through the forest so they could live forever. The music soared as the couple finally embraced and the curtains slowly closed.

  ‘Thank you for suggesting we come, Evander. It was a marvellous idea,’ Victoria said. ‘I have been reading the reviews of the ballet and wanted to see it for myself.’

  ‘I am glad that you enjoyed it, Victoria,’ Evander said as he stood up. The curtains had opened again and the cast was assembling on the stage. A thunder of applause broke out and the audience stood to the
ir feet as Lisette stepped forward and dropped into a curtsy.

  Victoria placed her gloved hand in Alistair’s as he stood and helped her to her feet.

  ‘Brava!’ Evander called out, and as Lisette looked up towards him, he tossed a long stemmed pink rose down at her feet. With a bright smile, Lisette picked up the bloom and brought it to her lips. The applause continued long after the curtains closed again. Finally Evander turned his attention to his brother. ‘What are your plans for the evening?’

  ‘I thought we could all stop for a late supper at Finley’s,’ Alistair said. ‘Would you join us, Evander?’

  ‘Thank you Alistair, but I’m afraid that you both will have to forgive me. I must see Lisette. I hope you will enjoy the rest of your evening.’

  ‘Yes, yes, of course. I don’t blame you at all, Evander. I swear Miss Devoré is the most enchanting creature I have ever seen,’ Alistair replied as he gave him a wink.

  But what took Evander by surprise was not Alistair’s teasing but the fleeting look in Victoria’s eyes. Perhaps she was not as indifferent to Alistair after all. Vowing to get to the bottom of it, Evander stepped forward.

  ‘I am a fortunate man, but would be doubly so if Victoria would do me the honour of allowing me to escort her back to the foyer.’

  Victoria chuckled before dropping Alistair’s hand and linking her arm through Evander’s. ‘The pleasure is mine.’

  ‘You do not mind, brother?’ Evander asked as they walked towards the door. ‘I may whisk your Victoria away.’

  ‘Not at all. I shall go and retrieve your cloak, my dear, and meet you in a few minutes,’ Alistair said as he momentarily inclined his head. Without waiting for an answer he walked through the door and was lost in the quickly growing sea of theatregoers.

  Evander leaned down and placed his hand over Victoria’s. ‘Have we not been friends since we were children?’

  ‘Yes.’ Victoria gave him a curious glance. ‘I always considered us as such.’

  ‘Then as old friends, will you tell me the truth?’

  ‘If I can. What is all this about, Evander?’

  ‘I just have a simple question and I begin to think that I should have asked it a long time ago.’

  Victoria gave him a smile. They walked out of the theatre box and down the once opulent hallway towards the foyer. ‘Go on, Evander — ask your question.’

  ‘Just how long have you been in love with my oblivious brother?’

  Two nights after Evander outed Victoria’s true feelings about Alistair, he and Lisette sat in one of Finlay’s private dining booths. Its large, swathed green curtains protected the occupants’ actions from the prying eyes of other diners. The table was laid with a fine damask cloth, silverware, crystal and exquisite china. The centrepiece was an ornate silver vessel, which was filled with ivy and roses. To one side sat a candelabrum, the candlelight flickering softly over the pretty array. An immaculately dressed waiter materialized by their table. He carried a bottle of champagne.

  ‘With compliments from the establishment of Finlay, Miss Devoré. To London’s prima ballerina,’ he said with a slight bow.

  ‘Oh, thank you. That is so kind,’ Lisette said with a smile.

  The waiter deftly uncorked the bottle without a hint of a pop and poured the effervescent liquid into the waiting crystal flutes.

  ‘Thank you,’ Evander said as the waiter disappeared from view.

  Lisette brought the glass to her lips and took a sip of champagne. It was cold, refreshing and the bubbles almost tickled the inside of her mouth. She raised her eyes and her glass to Evander.

  ‘Hmm, it’s delicious. Wasn’t it Madame Pompadour who said that champagne is the only wine that enhances a woman’s beauty?’

  ‘Then put the glass down, you do not need to drink. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and need no enhancements.’

  ‘Oh, Evander, you could spin the stars in the sky with your words,’ Lisette added with a shake of her head. ‘Here, let us drink to us!’

  Evander’s eye’s warmed. ‘To us, indeed,’ he said as he reached across the table and took her hand. ‘Lisette, it is time that we discuss the future.’

  Lisette’s heart beat faster and her stomach tensed in anticipation. This was the moment she had been waiting for; this was point when her life would truly start. A smile tugged at her lips. This was the night she would get everything she had always wanted: a new life with someone who loved her. Her fingers tightened around Evander’s hand.

  ‘What is it that you want to discuss?’

  ‘I love you Lisette. You are perfection and more than I deserve.’

  ‘More pretty words, Evander? I do not need flattery. Tell me what you want.’

  He fidgeted a little in his chair and for a moment his bravado appeared to desert him. And for that Lisette loved him all the more... If that was possible.

  ‘Are you in love with me?’

  ‘You know that I am. Did we not confess as much to each other three nights past?’ Lisette said with a laugh. ‘Did you think me so fickle that I would fall out of love with you in three days?’

  Evander shook his head and smiled. ‘No, your feelings are constant and I am a fortunate man. Which is why I want to protect you.’

  Lisette stared at him and squeezed his hand a little more.

  ‘Which is why, I am arranging to set you up in your own household.’

  Her breath seemed to stop in her throat. The words were not the ones she was expecting to hear. Everything around her appeared off kilter, and briefly she closed her eyes and wondered if she had heard him correctly. ‘I’m sorry Evander, I do not understand... What exactly do you mean?’

  ‘No, I suppose you wouldn’t understand. Oh, I’m making a mess of it. What I mean Lisette, is that you shall have a fashionable house and an allowance. I mean to take care of you, my love. No matter what happens in the future, I swear you will always be safe.’

  A chill ran down her spine and she stiffened in response. She unfurled her fingers from his hand and clasped her hands in her lap. ‘You want me to be your mistress.’ Lisette could hear the hollowness in her voice as the bright fire that burned within her began to lose its brilliance.

  ‘Yes, but of course!’ Evander replied. ‘You shall have your own house and I shall be with you whenever I can.’

  Lisette sucked in a breath. ‘I thought you were the nearly beggared second son. How is it that you can afford to set up the likes of me in a house?’

  ‘It’s true that Alistair has the lion’s share but when I said I was almost a pauper I....’ A frown puckered his brow. ‘What is it? What have I done?’

  ‘You love me so much, you want to make me your whore,’ Lisette said as a flare of resentment ignited.

  ‘Lisette, it is not like that. I do love you and want no one else. This way our lives will go on as normal but we shall have a haven to share. A perfect place that we can be together and be ourselves; a place of our own. And I will protect you,’ Evander said.

  ‘How? Will you protect me from gossip and slander? I will be branded your mistress... How will you protect me from that?’

  ‘I thought that you would be happy.’

  ‘I thought that we would marry,’ Lisette said. Her voice was barely audible over the noisy restaurant.

  Evander sat back in his chair. His eyes widened in surprise as he was momentarily lost for words before he dragged a hand through his hair. ‘I can’t marry you! I mean... It is not that I do not wish to marry you. It is that my family would never allow it. I may be the second son but my father is an Earl. I am expected to marry a girl of impeccable breeding, with ready money and estates.’ Evander picked up his glass and drank the champagne in one gulp. ‘I thought you would understand that.’

  Lisette nodded as she pushed back her chair and stood up. ‘Yes, perhaps I should have known. Fairy tales only belong in books or on the stage. I was foolish to believe they could happen in reality. You promised me that you were different
and I was fool enough to believe you. I don’t need a lover, Evander. I need a man who loves me enough to resist the pressure from his family... Even if his father is a duke.’

  ‘It’s impossible. How could you not know that it’s impossible? No matter how much I love you, I would never be able to marry you.’ He grabbed her hand as she started to move away. ‘Wait, where are you going?’

  ‘Home. There is nothing more to say.’

  ‘Lisette, please don’t do that. Stay, and we will work things out. I understand that you are upset but I’m sure that we can come to some sort of arrangement.’

  ‘No Evander, you were right when you said it was impossible. I will not be an arrangement. I will not be your mistress and you will not be my husband. We are at an impasse, my Lord Gainswith, and neither one of us is willing to concede,’ she said as she wrenched her hand from his grasp. For a second she stared at Evander but she began to tremble and her vision blurred. Without another word she walked over to the green swathed curtains and pulled them aside.

  ‘Wait Lisette, I shall accompany you home,’ Evander said as he stood up.

  She looked over her shoulder and said, ‘No, you shall not. Goodnight Evander and goodbye. We shall not meet again.’ Quickly she slipped between the curtains and continued to walk through the busy dining hall. Hot tears threatened to spill down her face. The doorman tipped his hat as he opened the door for her.

  ‘Might I summon a carriage?’

  ‘Yes...thank you,’ Lisette whispered. She gathered her cloak around her in an attempt to ward off the coolness of the evening...or Evander’s brittle words. There was a fine, misty rain that clung to all the surfaces like a glittering mantle. It coated the street with a shiny slick. It was carried on a cold breeze that wound its way through the darkened buildings and the crowded city. The rain was soft and sweet as it blew into Lisette’s face and she welcomed it. The hansom cab trotted up and then came to a stop. The doorman opened the door for Lisette and assisted her into the carriage. She nodded thanks before turning to the driver. ‘Beggars Mews please.’