Page 24 of Playing the Scoundrel

It wasn’t long until Mrs. Dunn began to doze. Even when songs ended and the whole room erupted in applause, the older woman only stirred enough to mildly clap before hanging her head and turning to snoring. Emma would have been amused, were it not for Mr. Godwin’s presence. If she was asleep, that would leave her unchaperoned with him, and Emma didn’t know what to expect in such a situation. Would he behave? Would it be time for her to draw him out? Was she ready for such a thing?

The soprano took the stage again, and when she was joined by a portly gentleman, the orchestra began a dramatic piece in a minor key. It started out ominous, but once she and the gentleman began to sing, the room took on an entirely new feeling. It was heavy and romantic and… seductive. From the few Italian words she understood, there was little to doubt the song was about love, passion, and desire. It brought heat to her cheeks, knowing Mr. Godwin was so close, and it made her involuntarily start wringing her hands.

It must have drawn his gaze, for in the next moment, he reached out and gently took hold of her hand in his own.

“Are you nervous?” he whispered, making her stomach twist in some odd delight.

“Why would I be nervous?” she asked, trying to appear unaffected.

“For the lovers, in the story.” He nodded toward the stage to indicate the opera, but Emma couldn’t focus on anything but the feel of his hand in hers, his fingers intertwining with her own. It was intoxicating, and she couldn’t think clearly.

“I… I thought they were going to marry.”

“Her father forbade the match, so they’ve runaway together. And this song is the promise of their love.”

Emma cleared her throat. “I see.”

“It seems you’ve missed a bit of the story. Shall I translate for you?” His words were simple enough.

“Yes, thank you.”

Without releasing her hand, he slid his chair closer to hers and leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“I leave behind childish dreams, and face the future now grown.

I shall leave mother and father, and cling to you as husband.

This love is forbidden no longer.

The darkness of night will encircle us,

Making us two become one, as we always should have been,

As we forever will be.

The stars will be silent and bear witness,

Forever begins here in your arms.”

His words were working over her like a magic spell. His fingers gently caressing across the back of her hand, and his thumb drawing circles on her palm, somehow managed to light a fire within her despite the separation her glove provided. Along with the enveloping tone of the music, it all left her immobile and speechless. Mr. Godwin continued to translate as the pair sang on stage, even as Emma desperately tried to find her grounding. She had given Mr. Godwin too much control. She was supposed to be the one seducing him, and here she was melting under his touch.

The song ended on a powerful note for the singers, which brought most of the audience to their feet, but Mr. Godwin simply smiled and brought her hand to his lips, kissing the inside of Emma’s palm. She gasped, which made him smile wickedly. Then he seemed to realize they were not alone and pulled Emma to her feet so they could join in the applause.

“They created quite the show, didn’t they?” he said, and Emma could only nod.

Indeed.

Mrs. Dunn finally roused from her nap and gave a half-hearted applause. “Good heavens. Done already?”

“The time does pass so quickly when enjoying one’s self, isn’t that true?” Mr. Godwin said with a tease in his voice.

“I suppose,” Mrs. Dunn said, before she trailed off into a yawn.

“Would you like me to fetch your coats and carriage?” he asked.

“Yes, please. We’ll wait here and give the crowd some time to clear.”

Mr. Godwin nodded and disappeared.

---