Free Living London by Kristin Vayden Page B

winding marble staircases leading to the balcony. As I followed Amelia up the stairs to her box, I asked her to stop so I could simply absorb all the details of the room. The high ceiling, archways, and artwork all glistened with candlelight. It was better than any book had ever described, and I was living it. I almost tripped on my gown, but I righted myself without anyone noticing other than Amelia, who gave me a stern look.
    "I know you don't remember this place, but you'll cause a scene if you continue to stare." Then in a quieter tone, she added, "You don't want any more attention. I'm just trying to help."
    "Thank you. You're a dear friend, Amelia." I meant each word.
    "Yes, well, I know." She arched her eyebrow playfully and led me into a box high above the stage. She announced our arrival to her brother Nigel and his wife Lorena before directing me to a seat at the very front of the box. As I leaned over the edge, she touched my arm softly.
    "You mustn't lean over. Glance." She showed me a perfect postured glance over the edge, and I tried to mimic her actions. "Much better."
    "Ah, ladies, a pleasure to see you both." Turning toward the voice, I saw Lord Ashby take a seat behind us.
    "Oh, no, Lord Ashby, you're my guest! I must insist you sit here in front. You don't mind, Jocelyn?" She looked pointedly at the seat next to me, and I caught her drift.
    "Of course not. Please, sit." I smiled and motioned to the empty chair.
    "Thank you, Miss Westin. I trust you're looking forward to tonight's performance?"
    "More than you can imagine. I believe it will be as if I were here for the first time." I spoke playfully, hoping he'd catch on.
    His eyes crinkled, and his smile widened. "Yes, I would imagine so."
    "I almost lost my balance earlier I was so absorbed in trying to notice each detail. This place is beautiful."
    He paused, regarding the room." You're right. I suppose one grows accustomed to its grandeur once it's been experienced repeatedly. But I see what you mean." He began to study the moldings in the ceiling and the carved arches of the boxes. "It is magnificent, isn't it?"
    "Yes, it is," I agreed.
    The orchestra began to play, and I felt myself leaning forward slightly to watch them warm up. A tingling sensation on the back of my neck caused me to glance up. Lord Ashby grinned sheepishly as I caught him watching my rapt attention on the orchestra.
    "Don't stop on my account, the music is the best part most times." He leaned forward with me as I focused once again on the orchestra. Even though he wasn't touching me, our shoulders were close enough for me to feel the heat radiating off his body. The warmth made me shiver, and I wanted to be closer.
    Glancing over, I found him watching me again. The cool blue of his eyes set my belly to tingling. His gaze moved from mine and caressed my features before focusing on my lips. He cleared his throat and pulled slightly away.
    Unable to move, I waited as my heart pounded violently. He didn't even touch me. Who knew a look could be more intimate than a kiss? Blinking, I leaned back and focused my attention onto the pre-performance antics taking place on the stage.
    "Saw that," Amelia whispered in my ear.
    "What do I do?" I whispered back. Short of working a fan, I had no idea how to flirt properly. It wasn't something I was naturally good at anyway.
    "Talk. I gave you the opportunity… do something with it." She winked and went back to conversing with her sister-in-law.
    Thank you, Amelia .
    "Miss Westin?" I turned to face Lord Ashby, waiting for his question. "Would you do me the honor of riding in Hyde with me sometime?"
    "Tomorrow?"
    My hopeful reply brought a grin to his full lips. "Tomorrow sounds brilliant."
    "Morning?" I asked, raising my eyebrows and hoping my attempt at flirting didn't fall flat.
    "Even better," he responded.
    With that, the performance started, and I was lost in the art. The only exposure to Shakespeare I'd experienced had been in high school and