‘Perhaps but it is not safe for you to stay by yourself. We do not know what has become of your aunt or the circumstances that surround her disappearance. I must know that you are secure. If we are careful, no one will know that you are staying here.’
Lisette nodded in agreement and only then did she realise how relieved she was.
‘I will escort you to the theatre each day and each night I shall bring you back here...back home.’ He dipped his head and caught her lips with his own. The kiss was firm, tinged with passion and possession.
Lisette’s hands slipped around the back of his neck and pulled him closer. She met his kiss and then heightened it. Her tongue slipped and teased its way across the sensitive skin of Evander’s bottom lip. A growl emanated from the back of his throat and his hands swirled up and down her back. The heat and excited anticipation began to build within her. She heard herself sigh as Evander’s hand settled over her breast. Their kiss broke apart and Lisette’s head lolled to one side to allow Evander access to her neck. His lips trailed down the column of her neck. He nipped, kissed and tasted her until her heart beat faster and a series of throbbing waves began to build. In a quick movement he picked her up, her eyes locked on his. His normal sherry-coloured eyes had darkened with ardour as he carried her to the desk. She lost one of her slippers as he sat her on the desk and it fell with a soft thud onto the rose scattered Aubusson rug. Evander pushed her skirt and petticoat asides, then, without hesitation, his hand reached up and pulled apart the bow of her drawers.
‘Evander, do you believe this is the best location to —’
With a grin he spoke over her. ‘Yes.’ And then showed little or no remorse as he pulled the drawers down, ripping them in the process.
‘Evander!’
‘Ah, what can I say in my defence, love? Only that I have no control when it comes to you. It is just as well that you love me.’ He stepped between her thighs and his clever fingers started to glide along her skin, leaving a tingling trail in their wake.
‘Hmm, indeed,’ Lisette said, but found herself distracted by the slow circles that Evander was tracing with one hand along her thighs. With his free hand he undid his trousers.
‘I love you Lady Gainswith.’
‘More pretty words, Evander?’
‘No, it’s the truth. And, well, you know it.’
Lisette smiled as she ran her hand gently down the side of his face. ‘And I love you, my lord.’
‘Good,’ Evander said as he moved forward and in one swift movement filled her entirely.
‘Again Sally. And one, two, three,’ Lisette said as she tapped out the count on the stage floor.
Sally twirled on pointe, spinning faster and faster until she stopped with one hand on her hip and the other poised in the air.
‘Excellent, Sally. You did it. See? I told you that you could do it.’
Sally smiled as she tried to catch her breath. ‘Thank you but I still don’t understand why we must practice for so long. I may be your understudy, but nothing will happen to you. I will never have to take your place.
Lisette bit her bottom lip and glanced at her friend. She was torn. She shouldn’t tell anyone about her marriage, but Sally was her dearest friend. She trusted Sally with her life, so why not her secret?
‘You may have to dance the lead quicker than you think.’
‘Whatever do you mean?’
Lisette beckoned her across the stage. She waited until Sally was close, close enough to hear a whisper. ‘I mean that I intend to leave the Imperial and someone must be able to dance the part.’
Sally grabbed her hand and tugged her to the edge of the stage. They sat down, two sets of worn silk pointe shoes dangling over the orchestra pit.
‘Tell me,’ Sally demanded.
Lisette nodded but held her finger to her lips. ‘Shhh. It’s a secret and no one can know.’
‘What?’
Lisette pulled a gold chain from her décolleté. A sapphire ring was suspended from it. Without taking it from her neck, Lisette held it out for Sally to see. Sally picked up the ring and rolled it between her fingers. Even in the dull light of the theatre the stones flashed with vivid blue fire.
‘It’s beautiful, but what does it mean?’
Lisette took a breath. ‘It means that I am married to Lord Evander Gainswith,’ Lisette whispered.
Sally dropped the ring as her hands cover her mouth as if to stifle a shout. The ring swung on a golden arc of the chain, backwards and forwards until it came to rest on Lisette’s breast.
‘Truly Lisette, you married him?’
Lisette had to lean closer to catch her words.
‘Yes, I’m married. I’m Lady Gainswith, but no one can know... At least not yet. I thought —’ But her words were muffled at Sally threw her arms around her and gave her a hard hug.
‘I’m so happy for you. Finally, you will have a life away from your aunt. Now you will be able to live your own life. It’s everything you always wanted.’
‘Yes, Evander is everything I have always wanted. I love him. He is my world and I am his. Which is, I suppose, the most surprising thing of all.
‘What is?’
‘That he actually loves me, Sally. So much so that he has gone against his family’s wishes and married me, a nothing...a dancer.’
Sally sat back. ‘Never say that! You are worth ten of them and one day, if they have any sense, they will see what a treasure you are. And if they don’t, to Hell with them!’
Lisette suppressed a giggle. She could always count on Sally to stand by her side or launch into battle. ‘Shhh. It’s a secret, remember.’
‘Why?’
‘Because I don’t want to leave The Imperial just yet. Once it’s known that Evander and I have married, I will not be able to perform.’
‘Which is why you are pushing me to learn the principal’s part,’ Sally said.
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘I’m hardly prima ballerina material. I’m not as slight as you or Florentia, nor as ethereal. Perhaps you should choose another?’
‘No. You are perfect. You dance with passion and fire. A person would have to be blind not to see how good you are. Now, no more of this. You will be the next lead ballerina and Alice or Fanny must be trained to take over the role you had.’
‘The blue princess?’
‘Yes. Well you can hardly dance both parts, as the characters are on the stage at the same time during the second act.’
Laughing, Sally gave Lisette a brief hug. ‘No, I suppose I can’t.’
‘Not unless you are a far more talented ballerina than I first thought.’
With a grin Sally stood up before dropping into an exaggerated curtsy. ‘At your service, my lady.’
Lord Anthony Sinclair burst unannounced into Evander’s study, waving a letter in his hand.
‘I got your note. Dear God, is it really true?’
Evander sat back in his chair and eyed his friend. ‘Yes, it’s true.’
‘You married Lisette Devoré!’ Anthony said as he sunk into the nearest chair. For a second he stared at Evander with a dumbfounded expression.
‘You best close your mouth old man — you’re gaping.’
‘Well, is it any wonder? My best friend just sent me a note saying he had recently married London’s favourite ballerina, worded in the same tone as if he was asking if it would rain on Friday.’
‘I did not. However, I did stress that it is for the moment a secret and I will hold you to it.’
‘My lips are sealed, Evander. I would be offended that you felt the need to ask except I’m still reeling from the news,’ Anthony said as he stood up and went to help himself to the brandy on the sideboard.
‘Sorry, we just need to keep it quiet. My family doesn’t even know about the marriage yet.’
‘Hellfire and damnation, Evander. Your father will have an apoplexy!’
‘There is a distinct possibility,’ Evander said as he watched Antho
ny pour a brandy. He waved the decanter in Evander’s direction, but he shook his head. ‘No, I’m fine.’
‘Then what induced you to marry the girl?’
‘I love her and I’m a better man for it.’ Evander stared evenly at Anthony, almost daring him to counter.
Anthony tipped back the brandy in one gulp. ‘Well, in that case, all I can say is congratulations and that you have my support.’
‘Thank you Anthony, I felt sure that I could count on your friendship.’
‘Lord Evander, you’re a dark horse. Harry’s antics pale into insignificance compared to this escapade. I suppose I should —’
There was a firm knock on the door and both Evander and Anthony looked up.
‘The Marquess of Coltswood to see you sir,’ Harris said as he opened the study door.
‘Oh Lord!’ Anthony said as he replaced the glass. ‘Not being one to meddle in family affairs, I shall take my leave.’
‘Goodbye Anthony, and thank you,’ Evander said.
‘No need for thanks,’ Anthony said with a wink before he mouthed the words good luck. ‘I’ll see myself out... Oh Alistair, sorry, I can’t stop.’
Evander braced himself at his desk as his brother stalked through the doorway.
‘Ah Anthony, I should have known that you would be here,’ Alistair said with a shake of his head.
Anthony gave a quick nod and disappeared through the doorway without a backward glance.
Alistair said nothing as he crossed the room, his footsteps muffled by the thick rug. Evander’s lip quirked up into a half smile as he sat back in his chair. He had been waiting for this meeting, this confrontation. However he was glad that he only had to deal with his brother. Obviously their father had not deemed it worthy enough to travel down. Alistair took the seat opposite and it was only when he was settled that he raised his head and gave Evander a levelling stare.
‘Disturbing news has reached our parents,’ Alistair said.
‘Really? Whatever could it be?’ Evander returned his brother’s gaze.
‘Now is not the time to be obtuse, Evander. Tell me that there has been a misunderstanding and I shall smooth the waters with Father.’
‘I do not know what you mean.’
Alistair drew himself up a little taller in the chair. ‘You know perfectly well the subject I’m referring to. Father has just received correspondence from Vicar Davis, informing him that a marriage between you and Miss Devoré had taken place. He assured our Father that even though representatives of our illustrious family were absent, the ceremony was witnessed and celebrated. You can imagine that our father’s reaction was only surpassed by mother’s. According to all reports the old man is red in the face and shouting from the rooftop that he will cut you from the family. So, what do you have to say for yourself, brother?’
‘That the ceremony was short and I wished that you had been standing next to me.’
‘It’s true! You actually married the ballerina?’
‘Yes, I will not deny it. After much coaxing I managed to make Lisette my wife. Your congratulations are forthcoming I suspect?’
Alistair sat still with an almost dazed look on his face, as if he was trying to make sense of what had just been said. ‘You married her? You married the ballerina!’
‘That’s what I said Alistair. You don’t have to shout.’
Alistair blinked. ‘Do you know what you have done? Father will have an apoplexy. He’ll demand that the marriage be annulled.’
‘Father can go howl at the moon for all I care. Lisette is my wife. She is wedded, bedded and with any luck already has my child growing within her.’ Evander was defiant, staring down his brother, almost daring him to contradict his words.
‘You love her?’
‘More than anything.’
‘More than Temperly?
‘Yes, even more than Temperly. She’s in my blood and I am nothing without her.’
Alistair nodded as he sat back in the chair. ‘Then I wish you happiness and all the luck in the world.’
‘You don’t object?’
‘You’re my brother and I want your happiness. Father will bellow and rant and quite likely cut you off, but I will do what I can. I do believe he wanted you to marry Lady Charity Wentworth or the Honourable Miss Viola Horton.’
Evander shuddered. ‘Dear God, Lady Wentworth is one of the most mean-spirited and grasping women I have ever had the misfortune to meet, and poor little Miss Horton is a frail wallflower. One only has to look at her too hard and she faints.’
‘Well, you know how Father likes his bloodlines.’
‘That’s all very well when he’s talking about his bloody horses, but not my bride!’
Alistair paused for a moment and Evander thought he saw a hint of regret in his eyes. ‘I don’t love Victoria, you know. Oh, we are fond of each other — have been ever since we were children — but I don’t love her or she me. She wants to be a Marchioness and I admit her lands and monies will increase the family’s coffer no end. We get on passably well and I suspect our marriage will be a good one, but there is no passion, no spark. And if you and Lisette have found that... Well, you are the richer for it.’
‘Thank you Alistair, but perhaps you should re-evaluate your engagement?’
‘Oh, I think it’s far too late for that. Our marriage is a fait accompli. Victoria and I will marry and that’s the end of it.’
‘Actually I believe if you look at the whole situation a little closer you may be pleasantly surprised. I think what you are looking for could quite possibly be right under your nose.’
Alistair stood up, his face tinged with embarrassment. ‘Well, yes... Best forget I even mentioned it. Now, why don’t you call Lisette so I can offer my congratulations to my new sister.’
‘I’m afraid she’s not here. She’s at the Imperial, tying up some loose ends.’
‘You aren’t going to tell me she is still dancing? Lord Evander, that’s scandalous. The old bats that guard the upper echelons of society will rip her to pieces.’
‘Neither one of us had any illusions that we shall be anywhere near the upper echelons. Society will whisper and shun us and I, for one, do not care. If I have Lisette then nothing else matters. However, at present, no one knows we are married. Lisette is desperately training another ballerina to take her place — and it will take a little time.’
‘But why?’
‘Because she cares for the people at the Imperial. She sees them as her family. She believes she owes them a debt. If Lisette left today, with no one to replace her, the theatre would flounder and probably close. She will not be responsible for the loss of their theatre or livelihood.’
‘The girl is loyal and caring... I think that I begin to envy you.’
‘Lisette is the brightest of gems and I do not deserve her,’ Evander said.
‘And she makes you want to be a better man?’
‘In every way.’
‘Then brother, I may have the inheritance, but I think it is you who has the crown.’
Lisette floated across the stage into the waiting arms of Charlie, a la Prince Gregor. He lifted her high in the air and circled with her, and Lisette appeared to fly. The wind tugged at her diaphanous wings and the tulle of her skirts. She was weightless.
Slowly he lowered her down and she formed a perfect arabesque before spinning away. She danced across centre stage, turning and beckoning her prince to follow her to the fairy grotto where they could be together forever. Lisette opened her arms and the prince ran to her embrace. As the music built to a final crescendo, the lights dimmed. Only a spotlight illuminated the hugging couple: the fairy and her prince. The spotlight faded and the velvet curtains drew silently across the stage. And The Imperial’s production of ‘The Fairy’ managed to get what many ballets did not: a happy ending.
‘Well done, my darling,’ Charlie said as he tried to catch his breath. ‘Lord, I’m getting too old for this! But you were perfect tonight.’
Charlie gave her a grin. ‘Bless you for saying that, but I think it’s time to find a protégé. You have always been such a sweet girl. I swear if I was ten years younger, I would give that handsome lord of yours a run for his money.’
‘Oh Charlie!’
‘Come on then, lovey. Let’s get these damn curtain calls out of the way. I could do with a drink!’
He took her hand and led Lisette to the wings just as the curtains swung open. The orchestra played as the cast, beginning with the corps de ballet, filed out on stage to take a bow. The applause almost drowned out the music as Charlie escorted Lisette to centre stage. Lisette sank into a deep curtsy whilst the audience threw flowers onto the stage.
As Charlie helped her up he whispered, ‘See, it is just as I said. You are a triumph, and have all of London at your dainty feet.’
Lisette smiled and squeezed his hand. ‘Thank you, Charlie,’ she said before she took a step away from him and cast her gaze up to the theatre box where Evander stood. He kissed the pale petals of a long stemmed pink rose before he threw it to Lisette. In a graceful movement, she caught the rose and brought it to her lips.
The audience erupted and rose to their feet in an ovation. Lisette blew a kiss to the crowd before dropping once more into another curtsy as the curtains closed. Energy buzzed around backstage like a bolt of lightning. The company chatted and laughed as they filed back through the wing, all elated and congratulating themselves on a near perfect performance.
‘Well done, Lisette. Another excellent performance,’ Paddy the stage manager said as Lisette swept past.
But as Lisette was about to reply Sally ran up and gave her a quick hug. ‘You were marvellous. We are all going down to the tavern for supper. Will you come?’
‘I’m sorry, I can’t. Evander’s here.’
Sally gave her a knowing grin. ‘Of course, I’ll see you tomorrow then,’ she said before disappearing into the crowd.
Lisette was carried along with the throng of the cast as it wound its way backstage. With noise and chatter ringing in her ears, Lisette was thankful for the tranquillity of her dressing room. She slipped inside and firmly shut the door against the chaos and sat down at her dressing table. She took a calming breath, stared into the mirror and a fairy princess was reflected back. She was an ethereal figment of a fantasy. Lisette stared at the fine gold chain around her neck. Her hand went to her chest and she took out her wedding ring, which was hidden in her décolletage. This was real, her love for Evander. In many ways, she had come to believe that her life had only started when she met him. She loved her friends at the theatre but she couldn’t wait to leave and really begin a life with her husband. She smiled. it was such a small and unassuming word but it held her love, dreams and happiness within it. Staring back at her reflection, she quickly began to unpin the floral wreath from her hair. The quicker she was changed, the quicker she would be in Evander’s arms. The door opened and she swung around on her chair with a smile. The smile died on her lips when she saw that Lord Vincent de Vale had entered and not Evander.
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