Newland’s butler greeted Cameron and announced him, and Evelyn Newland rushed toward him, taking his arm.
“Mr. Price,” she said enthusiastically, “Zach and I are so glad you could make it this evening. I do hope we’re not keeping you from your work. Zach says you are quite dedicated.”
“Not at all, Miss Newland. I am happy to be here.”
“Evie, please,” she said. “That’s what everyone calls me.”
“Of course…Evie.”
“Do come with me. There are so many people who are dying to meet you.”
There were? Evie led him into the main parlor where guests were gathered together drinking aperitifs and grazing from trays passed around by servants. “Pamela, darling!” Evie led Cameron to an attractive redhead. “This is the man I’ve been telling you about. Zach’s new composer, Cameron Price. Mr. Price, my dearest friend in the world, Miss Pamela Rhodes.”
Cameron bowed politely, taking Pamela’s hand. “It’s a pleasure,” he said.
“Oh my,” Pamela said, batting her eyes. “You were right, Evie. He is something.”
“I can pick them, can’t I?” Evie said.
Cameron’s cravat tightened around his neck like a noose. These two women were sizing him up like a side of beef. He was relieved when Zach Newland came by a few seconds later.
“Price,” he said. “Come with me. There are some folks I’d like you to meet.”
Thank God. Cameron followed Newland to a corner of the room where several men and women were gathered. “Here he is, the man of the hour,” Newland said to the group. “The Regal’s new house composer, Mr. Cameron Price. Price, may I present the Earl and Countess of Myerson, and Viscount and Viscountess Homington.”
“I’m charmed,” Cameron said.
He was drawn into conversation about composing, and blessedly no one asked him about his credentials. Newland brought several more guests by to meet him, and by the time dinner was served, he had learned—and forgotten—the names of more people than he had known in his lifetime. At dinner, he was seated next to Evelyn Newland and the Countess of Myerson. He did his best to see to both of their needs. Thankfully, he didn’t have to worry about keeping the conversation going, as both women seemed determined to monopolize his attention. Trying to speak with both of them at the same time became tiring. He was thankful when it was time to retire to the smoking room with the other men. Too soon, however, company was mixed again as coffee and dessert were served casually in the main parlor. As the hour turned late, guests began leaving, but the actors and other staff of the Regal stayed, so Cameron did as well. He breathed a sigh of relief when the last guest had been shown the door.
Newland approached him as he was saying goodbye to a group of props men. “Price, thank you for coming.”
“Not at all, Newland. It was a pleasant evening.”
“I’m glad you thought so. You made quite an impression on Lady Myerson.”
“She was engaging. I enjoyed her company as well.”
“Good, good. She has asked you to dine at her London residence tomorrow evening.”
“She has?”
“Yes.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand, Newland. If she wanted to invite me for dinner, why didn’t she ask me?”
“Oh, that’s just how things are done in this set sometimes, Price. Surely it wouldn’t be too much to accept the invitation?”
“I suppose not. She and the earl were pleasant.”
“Yes, yes. Good then. They’ll expect you at eight tomorrow evening. Here is her calling card.”
“All right.”
“See you tomorrow at the theatre, Price.”
“Of course. Good evening.”
Cameron walked home briskly, the June air pleasant. He fell into bed exhausted, not relishing the idea of another late night on the morrow.