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“My love, do try to have fun, for once,” his wife said with mock exasperation.
He flashed a wicked grin. “As you know, I frequently have fun, my dear. I just prefer to do it at home.”
When her ladyship’s cheeks turned pink, Sabrina turned to the front, stifling a grin. While not in the first blush of youth, the Hunters were devoted to each other, and didn’t hide it. That sort of devotion made her feel . . . wistful.
“I agree, Sir Dominic,” Father said. “A quiet evening at home is more pleasant than anything.”
“Indeed it is,” the magistrate replied.
Fortunately, the mildly risqué riposte sailed over her father’s head.
After the anthem to the king, the performance began with a classical recitation set to music. While Sabrina’s father clearly enjoyed it, she found it as dull as reading sermons on a rainy afternoon in January.
“Dominic, would you change seats with Lady Sabrina, so I can chat with her?” Lady Hunter quietly asked.
Thank God.
Sabrina all but jumped to her feet. “You’ll get amuchbetter view of the stage from here, Sir Dominic.”
“This bit is quite good,” said her father. “You won’t wish to miss it, my dear sir.”
Sir Dominic rolled his eyes, forcing Sabrina to stifle a giggle.
“How did you know I was bored?” she whispered to Lady Hunter.
“I had to pickallthe most boring pieces in the company’s repertoire, so as to avoid scandalous chitchat.” Lady Hunter flashed a wry smile. “Vivien and I expended considerable energy convincing the company manager to clothe the dancers in, shall we say, slightly more decorous styles.”
The dancers were incredibly popular at establishments like the Pan, since they were invariably young, pretty, and scantily clad.
“What a disappointment for the men,” Sabrina joked.
Lady Hunter winked. “True. It’s a good thing the wives make the donations.”
Her ladyship possessed a down-to-earth quality that was unusual in theton. Sabrina found it enormously appealing.
“I’m so glad you asked us tonight,” she impulsively said. “I’m not sure why you did, but please accept my thanks.”
“Vivien suggested it. After hearing about your assorted adventures, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to get to know you better.”
Sabrina winced. “Oh, yes, you’re Vivien’s aunt. I suppose she told you about . . .”
“She told me what I needed to know.” Lady Hunter glanced at Sabrina’s father. “And I will keep those adventures private, be assured. Well done with Cringlewood, by the way. I cheered when Vivien told me what you did.”
“Is . . . is that matter being dealt with?” Sabrina murmured.
“He has already departed London, with a stern warning from both Aden and my husband that he will be carefully watched. The marquess will not bother you or any other woman again.”
Sabrina frowned. “But how—”
“My husband will see to it,” her ladyship firmly replied.
Looking at Sir Dominic’s stern profile, Sabrina believed it.
“Thank you,” she said.
“You’re welcome. And please don’t waste another thought on that horrid man. He will get his comeuppance soon enough.”
It was clear from her ladyship’s tone that the subject was closed, and that more than suited Sabrina.
