“The honor is mine.” Daniel bowed politely.
“We’re looking for your brother,” Lily said. “Have you seen him?”
“He’s backstage,” Tricia replied. “He told us not to come back until after the show. He said he’d be too busy during intermission.”
“Oh. I hadn’t thought of that.” Lily looked at Daniel. “We may as well go back. We’ll find him after the show.”
“I’ll tell him you’re looking for him,” Tricia said.
“No,” Lily said abruptly. “We would rather…surprise him.”
“All right. Come on, Kat. We should get back to our seats.” Tricia took Kat’s hand and led her away.
“Lovely young ladies,” Daniel said. “Too bad their brother is a scoundrel.”
“I recall when many used that word to describe you, myself included.” Lily took his arm.
“I suppose even the worst can reform. All right. I won’t say anything about Rose’s condition. But he had better come back with us tonight. If he won’t come willingly, I will tell him and I will force him to marry her or he’ll feel the heat of my dueling pistol.”
“Dear God,” Lily said. “You don’t actually approve of that barbaric custom do you? I can’t believe dueling is still practiced.”
“It’s still practiced because of situations like this.”
“Well, you’re not dueling him. He beat you with the bow, remember? Who’s to say he won’t beat you with a pistol? And I’m way too young to be a widow. Besides…I’d miss you too much.”
“Fine, I won’t call him out.” Daniel kissed her cheek and then caressed it with his thumb. “Is Rose really with child?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“My, you Jamesons are a fertile lot, aren’t you?” Daniel lovingly touched Lily’s midriff and then walked her back to their box.
* * * *
After the curtain calls for the actors, Newland pushed Cameron on stage to take a bow as composer. His music had been very well received. As he stood on the stage, after bowing to thunderous applause, the harsh lights heating his brow, he scanned the audience. The stage lights made it almost impossible to see any single face among the spectators, yet he searched. He bowed again politely and left the stage when the applause died down. He hadn’t been looking for his mother or his sisters. It had been Rose’s face he sought. He had scanned the orchestra section, the balcony, the boxes, but he couldn’t find her. Sighing, he walked slowly toward his office in the back of the theatre. He would continue his work. He would be a success and make a good life for his family. He would do it, and he would do it well.
But it wouldn’t mean anything without Rose.
His mother and sisters were waiting for him in his office, where he had told them to meet him.
“Cameron, it was absolutely wonderful,” his mother said, taking both of his hands in hers.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Mum.” He kissed her cheek.
“And you”—he swept Kat up in his arms—“how did you like it, Kitty-Kat?”
Kat yawned. “I’m afraid I’m frightfully tired, Cam. But I loved it. I really loved it! I think I might be an actress some day.”
“Then you shall have the best training my money can buy,” Cameron said. “You look quite the young lady tonight. That coiffure is very grown up.”
“Tricia did it,” Kat said.
“Yes, and I’m not sure I approve,” Mrs. Price added.
“Don’t be silly. She looks like an elfin princess.” Cameron set his sister down. He groaned as the Duke and Duchess of Lybrook entered his small vestibule.
“Lady Lily!” Kat squealed.
“Kat, I told you, it’s Your Grace,” Tricia admonished.