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“‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.’” Isadora quoted. She considered the offer presented before her and said, “It has been some time since I’ve had the chance to enjoy the stage. I think I should like to go.”
The lady nodded. “I shall have my son take you in the carriage when he departs. He is taking on a small role in the play.” She rolled her eyes. “Tommy’s eight and ten and likes to fancy himself as something of a performer.”
Isadora smiled in return. “I should like that. And there is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to pursue your dreams.”
“Indeed, not,” Mrs. Davies chuckled. “But I dare not tell himyou said that or he might pack his bags and run off to Drury Lane in London this very night.”
Remington was sittingin a private box with George Stephenson and one of his partners, Michael Longridge, of Bedlington Ironworks, at the theatre on Mosley Street. Although Rem wasn’t a particular fan of Shakespeare’s tragedies, he thought this would be a good time to invite the engineering duo away from their office on Forth Street. Thus far, their business dealings had been quite productive, but it never hurt to speak on a more personal level, especially when there was so much investment involved.
They settled themselves for the program and as Stephenson and Longridge departed for a moment to speak with someone they knew, Rem was left to his own devices. He had been in Newcastle for two days and already he was wondering if he’d done the right thing. In all honesty, he felt rather foolish. Although he’d planned to come north anyway, it was difficult to keep his attention focused on much of anything, because he kept thinking of a certain lady in London. Unfortunately, he was intelligent enough to know that, should he have lingered in town a bit longer, she would not have condoned a deeper acquaintance, even if he might engage the hope of furthering their association.
He blew out a heavy breath and decided that the best thing to do to forget about the lady was to focus on his current surroundings. While the Newcastle playhouse wasn’t nearly as impressive as the one in London, it appeared to be well managed and with all the seats below continuing to fill, he thought it might even be a sold-out performance.
A flash of brown caught his attention, although he couldn’t say why. It wasn’t as if the spencer was that different from anything else another woman might be wearing, nor was it oddthat a dark-haired woman was wearing it. What struck him was the manner in which she moved, with an air of confidence. He knew of but one lady who held herself with such poise and grace.
As she turned her head slightly, Rem was quite sure that he was seeing things that weren’t there. He actually rubbed at his eyes, just to ensure that he wasn’t hallucinating. But when he looked again, all doubt was removed.
ItwasLady Isadora.
He frowned.What could she possibly be doing in Newcastle?
And just like that, he was struck with a revelation. Of course, with her head for business, she would have offered to conduct various affairs on Lord Somers’ behalf, now that he was married to her sister and they were still enjoying all that wedded bliss had to offer.
His heart started to pound in his chest. If she was here, then that meant he would likely be seeing a lot more of her, because Grey had been in business withhim.Both of them had seen the potential in the rail system and decided it would be beneficial to look into the profits a bit further.
He saw her take her seat in the main auditorium. She was almost directly below him. He wondered why she hadn’t chosen to rent a box, but he commended her for her humility. Not many society ladies would dare to demean themselves when it came to sitting among the working class. His mother certainly wouldn’t, even though she liked to pride herself on donating funds to various charities for those less fortunate.
As his companions returned, he decided to bring their attention to her before the play began. “Ah, gentleman, right on time. I should like for you to take note of a particular lady.” As both men walked over to the edge of the box to look out into the assemblage, Rem pointed to the row where his quarry sat. “See the woman there in the brown spencer and dark coiffure?” As his companions concurred, he announced, “That is Lady IsadoraBevelstroke, the sister-in-law to my business partner, the Earl of Somers.”
“Indeed?” Longridge peered at her a bit more closely, obviously intrigued.
Rem crossed his arms. “I thought I might see if you would like to gain an audience with her this evening. No doubt she is here on behalf of Lord Somers.”
Stephenson snorted lightly. “Are you sure she should care to rub elbows with stuffy men like us?”
“Quite sure,” Rem concurred. “She is a forward-thinking lady who is set on living life by her own merit. She has made some significant contacts in London already and has the funds to incorporate her way around society without the constricts of marriage.”
“Is that so?” The older man appeared thoughtful at the mention of her determination. Then again, he was a man of vision for the future, so he would be a hypocrite if he had anything disparaging to say. “If memory serves, I think I have an appointment with her tomorrow, but why wait? Fetch her here during intermission.”
His acquiescence was like music to Rem’s ears. He smiled lightly. “I should be glad to make the introductions.”
Chapter Four
Isadora had to admit that she was enjoying the play. Mrs. Davies’ son, Thomas, had been a lovely companion, and they had chatted amicably on the way there. She felt that he also had remarkable talent when it came to portraying one of the Venetian guards, even though it wasn’t one of the main roles.
As the lights were lit to announce intermission, she considered whether or not she should like to procure some refreshment, when a cup held by a masculine hand suddenly appeared before her. She glanced up to politely decline the offer from a stranger, however kind, but the response died on her lips when she met the hypnotic gaze belonging to none other than Lord Osgood.
“I imagine you’re wondering what I’m doing here,” he drawled with a grin that was entirely more fascinating than it should be. “I shall be glad to tell you if you would like to join me in my box for the rest of the performance.” He glanced upward and she followed his gaze.
She opened her mouth, but he smoothly injected, “And don’t claim that it wouldn’t be proper, as I am not alone this evening.”
“I… see.” She wasn’t quite sure what to make of that. The idea that he had a lady waiting for his return didn’t entirely set well.
“I believe you are familiar with George Stephenson?” he lifted an inquiring brow. “And perhaps Michael Longridge as well, if my associate, Lord Somers, has offered any sort of information.”
He could tell that this immediately sparked her interest. “Naturally. Grey was quite forthcoming.”
“Capital.” As she took the punch, he held his arm out to her. “I assume that means you will be joining us?”
