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“It might be best if we go in separately. We wouldn’t want any misunderstandings if anyone sees us arrive together.”
“Yes, of course. After you.” He gave me a polite bow and waited in the foyer while I headed off.
I slipped back into my seat, earning a glare from Flossy.
“Where were you?” she hissed.
“Investigating.”
“Father noticed you weren’t here. He looked cross that you weren’t seated when the curtain went up.”
I kept my gaze forward rather than risk glancing at my uncle. “Do you know which one is Rosa Rivera?”
“The one with black hair, on the left. Isn’t she elegant?”
She was indeed. She had a confidence about her, more so than the other woman in the ensemble. Rosa moved about the stage as she sang, acting out the emotional music through her facial expressions and body language, whereas the other woman stood still and let her beautiful voice do all the work. I wondered if the passion Rosa poured into her performance was due to sorrow over her lover’s death.
When the concert was over, the audience filed into the foyer again and made for the door like a tide. One moment Floyd stood beside me, and the next I found Mr. Miller in his place.
He smiled at me. “Did you enjoy the performance, Miss Fox?”
“Very much. You?”
“Superb singing, but I prefer comedic operas.”
“So do I.”
“We should see one together while I’m town.”
My heart sank. I shouldn’t have been so agreeable. “I’ll have to check my diary, and that of my aunt.”
“Of course, but it’s my understanding Lady Bainbridge is unwell. Do you have no other chaperone?”
My hesitation allowed Flossy to chime in. “We’ll find one.” She looped her arm around mine. “We wouldn’t want a little thing like a lack of a chaperone to keep you two apart.”
“Excellent. I’m so pleased.”
Flossy looked pleased, too.
Once we emerged from the building, Mr. Miller touched the brim of his hat and set off, trotting down the stairs.
“Is it just me or does he have an extra spring in his step?” Flossy asked, grinning.
“I am not going anywhere with him, so you can wipe that smile off your face.”
I might as well not have spoken. “He’s very keen on you,” she said. “And he’s handsome, tall, charming, clever and has gainful employment. Just your type.” She squeezed my arm. “He’s every woman’s type, I suppose, but I know you’re very particular when it comes to men.”
I extracted my arm from her grip. “Flossy, I am not going to encourage Mr. Miller.”
She sighed. “Just get to know him better before you dismiss him.”
Trying to convince her I didn’t want to marry wasn’t working. She would never believe me, as she couldn’t believe any woman would want to be a spinster. I needed a new tactic.
“Do you truly not love me as much as I love you?” I asked.
She grabbed my hand. “Cleo! How could you say such a thing? I know we’ve only known one another six months, but I adore you. You’re like a sister to me.”
“Then why do you want me to go to America?”
