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Natalie shook her head. “I guess those things are important, but to keep badgering someone to marry, when that is a decision better made by the person involved, just seems odd to me. Although, in hindsight, it might have been to my benefit if my papa had been more interested in who I was marrying.” She stopped for a moment, and added, “But then I would not have my precious daughter.”
“It is indeed strange that on occasion something very good comes out of something not so good.”
“That does seem to happen, doesn’t it?”
They arrived at the theater just as rain began to fall. Alex’s driver opened the door holding a large umbrella. Alex helped Natalie out of the vehicle, then wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him to keep them from getting too wet. Holding her close like this with her softness pressed up against him—and the familiar scent of flowers and something unique to her drifting to his nostrils—felt right. As if she was meant to be his. Certainly not something he ever felt with any other woman, including Mildred.
Yes, he was quite sure about what he wanted; now he had to convince a woman who had a previously dreadful marriage.
* * *
Shakingoff the little bit of rain on the bottom of her gown, Natalie walked with Alex into the theater. She tried very hard not to appear too excited, like a child at their very first Astley’s Circus.
Lord Sterling and Rayne did not spend much time on the typicaltonevents that Alex had described to her. Sterling told her he didn’t care what anyone thought when he married a doctor, even though it was not considered appropriate for a nobleman to do so.
Therefore, rather than cause his wife snubs, they restricted their social life to the weekly assemblies and dinner parties with their friends, accepting on occasion an invitation to a ball or rout where Sterling thought Rayne would feel comfortable. Apparently, the theater wasn’t one of the ventures beyond their circle that they enjoyed.
It was apparent from the time they entered the building that Alexander, Lord St. John, was a popular man. Couples drifted toward them as well as a few women who obviously had more on their minds than the upcoming performance. Alex was gracious to everyone they met and introduced Natalie with pride in his voice.
“Mrs. Natalie Shaw,” one of the women eyeing Alex said. “I don’t believe I know you. Have you been spending your time at the London Season?”
“No. I have been staying with my sister, Lady Sterling, and her family here in Bath.”
A second woman leaned into Alex, placing her hand on his chest as if she owned him. “I miss you, Alex. It’s been a long time since you’ve graced us with your presence.” She looked pointedly at Natalie. “We’ve hadso many good timestogether.”
Natalie smiled at the woman, and said, “Yes, I know exactly what you mean.”
Alex practically choked on Natalie’s words but pulled her closer. “I’ve been busy lately. But if you will excuse us, I believe the play is about to begin and we must make our way to my theater box.”
“Oh, yes,” the woman said, “I have such wonderful memories of that theater box.” She smirked at Natalie.
Natalie smiled back. “Yes. I expect many memories will be made tonight.”
He led her to his box, and they settled into the seats. “So, you are looking forward to making memories in the theater box tonight?” He grinned, noting the blush beginning on her cheeks.
She raised her chin and looked him in the eye. “I am so looking forward to the play.”
He burst into laughter. “And I am looking forward to watching you enjoy it.” He placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. “Please do not allow yourself to be troubled by those women. Believe me, nothing has ever happened between them and me.”
“It doesn’t matter to me, my lord. After all, I am the one here with you.”
He cupped her cheeks with his hands. “You are amazing, Mrs. Shaw.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Apparently, aware that they were in full view of anyone across the room in a theater box, he kept his kiss short.
Natalie patted her hair, even though nary a strand was out of place. Even when she was in the throes of her romance—as such—with Milton, his kisses never moved her like Alex’s did. “We must behave ourselves, my lord. There are people watching.”
He grinned and said, “You did say we were going to make memories tonight.”
She tapped him with her fan. “You know very well I said that to annoy that woman. She was certainly deserving of it.”
“Now you see whytonevents can be off-putting. And just to make things clear, I never dallied with Lady Danvers. In fact, I am probably one of only a handful who has not warmed her bed.”
Natalie sucked in a breath just as the orchestra started up. “Now I shall enjoy the play.”
Alex spent the next two hours admiring Natalie and watching her enjoy the performance.
* * *
“Is he here yet?”Annalise asked for the tenth time, hopping up and down on her little feet.
