“Well,” Jasmine said sheepishly. “I wouldn’t say we’re friends.”
She had met Signora Moreni on two previous occasions and hadn’t cared for her on either. The soprano may have earned her haughtiness, but it made her a horrid conversationalist. Jasmine’s dislike of her didn’t justify Caroline missing an opportunity to meet her idol, and it would do Matthew some good to have more time alone with his sister.
“I’m certain my parents will be pleased to make the introductions.” Jasmine smiled at Matthew. “Would you mind accompanying her?”
“Me?” His brows lifted. “What will you do?”
“I’ll wait for Cassandra and Seth. If the servers make their rounds, I’ll request food and drinks.”
“Thank you!” Caroline squealed and linked her arm with Matthew’s. “Come along, brother, before she leaves!”
Caroline tugged a wide-eyed Matthew into the hall. Jasmine sank into a chair and read the libretto they had purchased on the way in. The booklet contained the Italian lyrics ofRinaldo. Precisely what the family needed—an opera with a happy ending.
The door opened and she shifted to greet the newcomer. The space seemed to shrink and drop in temperature as Lord Blackmoor entered. Regarding her carefully, he kept his distance and stood along the wall.
Furrowing her brow, she tried to think of him as family, but struggled to consider him apersonat all. Lord Blackmoor was a brick wall. Matthew treated him like a brother, but he was a stranger to her.
She gave him her best smile. “Good evening, Lord Blackmoor. Thank you for hosting us. I never would have guessed you had a private box.”
He grunted. “It’s normally more private.”
She tried again. “I wanted to thank you for helping me at Duke Kendall’s ball.” Fidgeting with her gloves, she whispered, “Iappreciate you getting me to safety.”
He gave a half-shrug and a brief nod. “It was nothing.”
Goodness, this is worse than peeling potatoes!
“I didn’t know you enjoyed the opera,” she prompted. “Which one is your favorite?”
“I don’t enjoy the opera.”
“Oh. Then why…?”
“I come here to listen.” Lord Blackmoor lowered his voice. “You can learn much, if you know how to listen.”
Jasmine closed her eyes, focusing on the sounds around her. A familiar laugh rang out close by, carrying like a sinister song. A chill ran up her spine. It was the first time she had heard his voice since he had poisoned her. She lifted her gaze to the box across from them, occupied by Duke Kendall, Lord Rothwell, and Lady Ravenshaw. Busy with their conversation, they didn’t seem to notice her—yet.
“Lady Lincolnshire.” Lord Blackmoor waited until he had her attention. “Shall I close the curtains?”
Taken aback by his gentleness, she hesitated. With softened features, Lord Blackmoor looked like a younger version of Seth, but more refined. His patient blue eyes held hers with care.
Comforted, she shook her head. “No. I won’t hide from them.”
“Good.” One corner of Lord Blackmoor’s mouth lifted, and he gave her a curt nod. His expression hardened into stone once more, and Jasmine decided she liked him a great deal.
“What do you do for fun?” she asked.
He raised a brow as if he didn’t understand the word, seeming to ponder for a moment. “I spend time with my family.”
Before she had the chance to respond, the door creaked open.
“Ah, there you are Blackmoor!” Matthew clasped his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Thank you for keeping my wife company.”
“Look who else we found!” Caroline called out.
Matthew stepped to the side, allowing Seth and Cassandra into the box. Jasmine’s family sparkled like gems. Matthew wore a black suit with red brocade, matching Jasmine’s crimson dress. Caroline sparkled in topaz. Clad in silver, Seth helped a sapphire-cloaked Cassandra into the chair next to Jasmine.
Two servants brought in a tray filled with candied fruits and a bottle of claret. She plucked a cherry from the tray. The sugar dissolved on her tongue. The plum undertones of the wine balanced the flavor, leaving a pleasant sweetness in her mouth.
