Chapter Ten
Mari nearly bounced in delight as she stepped down from the carriage in front of the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. Aunt Agnes frowning at her made her remember decorum reigned this evening. Still, it was terribly exciting to be entering such a magnificent building that hosted so many cultural events.
Smoothing the lines of the blue silk gown Madam Dubois had managed to finish in record time, Mari glanced up at Nicholas. He was ever so elegant in his formal black coattails with satin lapels, silver-threaded waistcoat and lavender cravat tied in the rather scandalous Napoleon knot. The cloth only wound about the neck once, giving the wearer a leisurely, rakish look. Coupled with the slight slant of his green eyes, he did indeed look somewhat amorous.
“I am so glad you were able to secure tickets for the Beethoven recital,” Mari said as they moved to take their place in line.
Nicholas gave a slight bow. “My pleasure, to be sure. A lady as beautiful as you deserves to be surrounded by only the best Society has to offer. I intend to see that you experience it all.”
Behind them, Jamie cleared his throat.
Drat. In her excitement, Mari had almost forgotten that Jamie and Maddie had followed in a second carriage, along with Maddie’s parents. She remembered Jamie’s glower when the invitation arrived from Nicholas three days ago—and then the smugness of Jamie’s smile when he’d produced four tickets of his own. She wasn’t quite sure how he’d done that.
“I understand the pianist this evening actually studied with the maestro in Vienna,” Nicholas said as the line moved forward.
“Oooh,” Maddie squealed. “Wasn’t Vienna once ruled by Charlemagne’s knights? How romantic.”
Nicholas frowned. “I had not heard that. Actually, the romantic movement in music and art is more about individual freedom and personal expression than it is about the medieval connotation of sentimentality.” He turned toward Mari. “My own painting reflects the current tendency to include pastoral scenes in the background as a way to counter the rigidness of the classical works.” He leaned closer to her. “You will see,” he finished in a near whisper, “when I decide which country scene to use to paint you.”
Mari felt herself blush. Whether Nicholas thought it was romantic or not, she felt like a princess having her portrait painted. She could hardly wait to find out what kind of country spot he would choose.
Nicholas offered her his arm as they made their way to the box seats along the right side of the balcony. His forearm did not feel as hard and massive as Jamie’s, but then Nicholas did not go slinging a huge sword like Jamie waved around.
Nicholas was a truegentleman, although Mari had to admit Jamie looked rather respectable this evening as well. She stole a glance over her shoulder. Maddie was smiling at Jamie, her eyes sparkling, her hand tucked inside his elbow. Mari knit her brows momentarily and then smiled at her friend.
“I am so glad you were able to come, Maddie.”
“I am too,” Maddie replied, barely taking her eyes off Jamie. “It was so kind of Mr. MacLeod to invite us.”
“I quite concur,” Lady Dunster said, looking almost as pleased as her daughter. “I usually have to drag the baron to these things.”
Her husband guffawed. “Now, dear, you know I would rather be in the country enticing a fish onto my hook.”
“Aye,” Jamie said. “Sittin’ by a loch with a line in gives a mon time to think.”
“That it does,” Baron Dunster agreed. “I say, perhaps we could do a spot of fishing in the Kennet once Parliament adjourns and we can all return to the peace and quiet of our estates.”
“’Twould be a pleasure.”
“I will look forward to it then.” Maddie’s father nearly beamed at Jamie. “I would enjoy hearing about that sea monster that dwells in one of your lochs as well.”
Jamie laughed. “Well, Nessie is a wee bit shy, but then, ’tis the way of kelpies.”
“What is a kelpie?” Maddie asked.
“’Tis a faerie horse who lives in the water,” Jamie replied. “It allows fair maidens to ride its back as it swims through the waves.”
“Mon Dieu! Quelque stupide,” Nicholas muttered.
Jamie continued on. “’Tis said, though, the kelpie have nae liking for arrogance. A mon who dinnae believe disappears into the black depths of the loch.”
Mari stifled a laugh. Jamie talking about arrogant men was pure irony, although she was sure he did not see it. More than likely, it was a dig at Nicholas for saying the little story was stupid.
“Oooh,” Maddie squeaked. “Is the storytrue?”
The story actually sounded credible the way he told it, Mari thought.
“Mon Dieu,” Nicholas said again.
