Page 284 of Ten Lords for the Holidays

to a Grand Ball in Marlowe Castle

following a complimentary performance

of Shakespeare’sTwelfth Night

the day after Christmas.

Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. The show would open in two days.

It already looked fantastic.

The enormous amphitheatre was unlike anything he’d seen in London. It was far bigger. Estelle’s presence seemed to permeate every inch of it.

This was her stage and her chance to shine.

She might have been shut out of the capital, but she’d been hand selected for Cressmouth. Here, she wouldn’t be an oddity or a token concession. She would provide a main attraction, as the talented director she was.

And, if Aaron playedhishand right, perhaps there could be a second chance for their romance as well.

But first, he had to convince her to talk to him.

It wouldn’t be easy.

He’d gone to London to make his fortune in order to provide Estelle with everything she deserved.

Thenshecame to London—but not for him.

And then left before he could court her.

He did not yet have the fortune he’d been hoping to amass, but he was well on his way. In just a few more years—

“And we’ll strive to please you every day!”

As the jester sang his final words, the rest of the actors returned to center stage to take their bow.

Aaron flew to his feet and burst into applause.

The rest of the audience followed suit.

Estelle stepped out from behind the curtain and cast him a suspicious look.

He grinned at her and clapped louder.

Her play was phenomenal.Shewas phenomenal. So talented and tenacious. Nothing could stop her star from shining.

The performance on Christmas Day would prove it.

“Cynthia Louise,” Estelle said to one of her actors. “After your first cue, if you would...”

Behind him, the small audience began to disperse. The play was over, the magic gone.

For them.

Aaron stayed where he was.

On stage, the actors huddled around Estelle, nodding attentively as she gave suggestions and encouragement to each of them in turn.

He settled back down to watch.

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