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Hands clapped behind her, and she turned to see who it was. Drake came forward. “My wife is the best in Drury Lane. And I support her.”
Sir Joseph also stood and applauded beside Thornton.
Those in the cheapest rows stood and applauded. Followed by the ones in front of them, and the others in the same place. A few women in the boxes stood too. Reluctant, a few men in the boxes followed, everyone clapping their palms. Until only those who’d expressed their outdated views remained seated.
There was no holding back her tears after that. They rolled and rolled down her cheeks in deep gratefulness. Drake came to stand in front of her, his side to the audience. He took both her hands and kissed them in a heartfelt gesture.
Entering the stage and applauding, also came the actors, the stagehands, her father, and her brother. Hester held Flynn’s hand to share with her colleague those precious laurels. He smiled and kissed her cheek.
“I didn’t know you were all there watching me.” The new Lady Worcester said as she and her dear friends gathered in Worcester House after they disengaged themselves from the myriad of patrons wishing to greet them at the theatre.
Drake had requested the butler arrange drinks and food for them in the large drawing-room.
"I had a hunch that we should be there," Amelia said. "And asked Lady Thornton if she'd accompany me."
“And I thought it better to send a note to Edwina and Philippa.” Contributed Otilia.
“Fortunately, I came into my granddaughters’ plans and joined them.” Lady Mandeville added.
“We the gents didn’t want to miss on the fun.” Sir Joseph jested.
“I’m so overwhelmingly grateful for your support!” She said almost in tears again, needing to rest her tea cup on the side table.
“Now, now,” Titus said. “The new Marchioness of Worcester deserves only to smile.”
Hester tried for one that came wobbly. It’d take a long time for her to get used to the title.
“That’s better.” Lady Mandeville commented.
“Between us, I hope we have prompted the ladies and lords to respond with more consideration to you in the future.” Edwina ventured.
"And if anyone dares to utter a single word against you," Otilia completed. "We'll close ranks again."
“You can count on us too.” Her husband expressed the men’s position.
Everyone ate and drank amidst lively conversation after that.
Much later, when their friends had left, Drake sat on an armchair and watched as she wandered the drawing-room still dazed with the night's development.
Drake extended his hand. “Come here, Lady Worcester.”
Her eyes snapped to him, taking a moment to realise he referred to her. “I’m still not used to the title.” She commented as she neared him.
He pulled her to sit sideways on his lap, her legs over the chair’s arm. His arm wrapped around her still trim waist, her head on his bunched shoulder. She inhaled his scent of rosemary and man she loved so much.
Didn’t love only that, she finally admitted to herself. She also loved the man, her husband, her safe harbour. Since they came together, he’d been there, a solid, steady presence. She’d been the one shunning him, afraid as she’d been of her feelings. There was no running away at this point though. Married, with a child on the way. The realisation didn’t cause any anguish in her; she felt safe. He made her feel safe and confident in their marriage.
“I think I’ll change the end of the play.” His deep voice interrupted her musings.
She lifted her head and looked at him. “You mean you will ask the author to change it?” Like they did when she made the adjustments.
"You're so smart, wife mine," he answered. "I thought you'd realised that Ted Rann is short for Theodore Rannell,
my middle names."
“You wrote the play?” She asked with a gobsmacked expression on her face.
He looked up at her. “Yes, when you left me.” His hand lined her cheek, the thumb caressing the delicate skin.
