Page 64 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

Chapter Twenty

Luke spent moretime watching Caroline than he did the actors on stage. She delighted in every line spoken in the inane comedy. Sometimes her lips twitched in amusement; other times she laughed aloud, deep and hearty. Those were the times he liked best, seeing her abandon herself to the silly moment on stage.

Rachel poked him with her fan in his left ribs and he turned, frowning at her.

Leaning close, she whispered in his ear, “Have you heard a single line uttered in this play?”

Grinning shamelessly, he said, “Not one.”

She glanced over his shoulder. “She’s entranced.”

“She’s never seen a play before. God only knows what she did for entertainment in Boston.”

“I assume you don’t want Evan and me to accompany you to supper afterward?”

“Not a chance. You are here solely so that we are chaperoned in front of the masses. I don’t need—or want—you at supper. It’s my time with Caroline. Not yours.”

“Be glad I’m your loving sister or I would be wounded by your words.” She leaned back in her chair.

Luke turned his head toward the stage again but continued to study Caroline. Her thick, brown hair was piled high on her head this evening, leaving her lovely, swanlike neck exposed. He longed to nibble his way up and down it and daydreamed about doing so for a few minutes. Loud applause brought him from his reverie and he saw the comedy had ended. Caroline applauded enthusiastically and turned to him.

“That was fabulous,” she declared and immediately returned her attention to the stage where the actors were taking their curtain calls.

Finally, the cast disappeared and the audience rose from their seats. He helped Caroline from her chair.

“I can’t wait to see a drama next,” she declared.

“Wait for something Shakespeare,” Evan said. “I believe Drury Lane has an upcoming production ofHamletnext month once this play finishes its run.”

“Would you like to come back for it?” Luke asked as he took her hand and placed it on his arm.

“Yes,” she said with enthusiasm.

They returned to their carriage and as they settled themselves, he watched Rachel begin her own little drama. His sister frowned a moment and put a hand to her head. Evan asked her if something was wrong and she said nothing. Then, a moment later, she sighed, both hands going to her head this time.

“Are you not feeling well?” Caroline asked, concern in her voice.

Rachel raised tired eyes. “I’m afraid a sudden headache has come on. I thought I could fight through it but my temples are starting to throb.”

“My poor baby,” Evan said convincingly, pulling Rachel against his chest and stroking her hair. “I’m afraid we won’t be able to accompany you to supper. I want to see Rachel home and in bed.”

“Oh, we wouldn’t dream of going without you,” Caroline assured him.

Luke flashed Evan a warning look, but it was Rachel who said weakly, “No, please. Go without us. Supper after the theatre is all a part of the experience. I wouldn’t wish to rob you of that.” She sighed dramatically and closed her eyes.

He wanted to kick her, thinking she’d overplayed her hand.

“Are you sure?” Caroline asked softly.

Rachel nodded. “Yes.”

“Let me inform the driver,” he said.

“No,” Evan said quickly before Luke rapped on the ceiling to give the driver new instructions. “The supper club is only a few blocks away. Let us drop you there and then the carriage can take us home. I’ll send the driver back to wait for you.”

“That’s very considerate of you, Evan,” Caroline said politely.

The coach halted after a few blocks and Luke handed Caroline down, both of them wishing the other couple goodnight. He led her to the entrance, where a doorman ushered them inside. The sound of a violin played softly in the background.

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