Page 32 of Inventing Vivian

For the entirety of the first act, Vivian made an effort to face completely toward the stage, but the opera was dull, and she was still filled with excited energy from her visit with Professor Wallis. She found herself watching the other attendees more than the performance, and inevitably, her gaze returned to the opposite gallery.

Lord Benedict was seated, unsurprisingly, with the other Casanovas and the ladies who typically accompanied them, the Darling Debs.

Lord Ruben, naturally, sat beside his fiancée, Lady Lorene, but more than once, Vivian noticed his eyes straying to Dahlia, who sat to Vivian’s left. Lord Meredith looked toward her as well.

Vivian glanced to her side, but aside from being remarkably beautiful, Dahlia didn’t appear to be doing anything to draw their attention.

Seeing Vivian’s glance, Dahlia gave her a smile, but her jaw was tight. Though she didn’t show it, it must be difficult for her to see Lady Lorene and Lord Ruben together.

Vivian squeezed her hand. “Surely we must be close to intermission,” she said, hoping to distract her from the group across the hall. “I fancy a cold lemonade, don’t you?”

“That sounds very nice,” Dahlia said.

The curtain dropped at last, and Vivian and her friends left the gallery for one of the smaller halls where refreshments were served. They took their drinks to the side of the room to catch the breeze from an open window. Vivian held her glass with both hands, nervous that she would get bumped in the crowded room and spill on her gown.

“Could it be Lord Hastings?” Elizabeth said, resuming her speculations as she watched the crowd move around them.

“I don’t think so.” Vivian sipped the lemonade. “We danced at Lady Molyneaux’s ball, and”—she winced, both from the memory of that night and the tartness of the drink—“I don’t believe he left with a very favorable impression.”

“I remember the story,” Sophie said.

“I wish I could forget,” Vivian said.

Hazel put her arm through Vivian’s, linking elbows. “If not for that unfortunate waltz partner, we’d never have met.”

“Then, it was worth it,” Vivian said.

Lord Strathmore stepped out of the crowd and joined their circle. “A pleasure to see you young ladies this evening.” He wiped his damp forehead as the women greeted him, and he smiled at his niece. “And how are you enjoying the opera, my dear?”

“Very well, Uncle.” Hazel released Vivian’s arm and stood closer to the man, waving her fan to stir up a breeze for both of them. “Wasn’t the prima donna’s aria divine?”

“Indeed, it was,” Lord Strathmore said. He put his handkerchief into his waistcoat pocket and turned toward Vivian. “Miss Kirby, Hazel tells me you’ve some happy news.”

“Yes, my lord.” The delicious thrill shot through Vivian as she was reminded of her excellent fortune. “My invention is to be entered into the International Exhibition of Industry and Science.”

“Ah.” His smile remained, but it appeared frozen, as if he were willing it to stay in place. “Singular. Not something to be expected of a young lady.” He took out his handkerchief and dabbed his forehead again. “But to each his own... orherown, I suppose.” He glanced behind her. “Oh, Lord Covington. Lord Meredith. How do you do?”

Vivian turned, scooting closer to Hazel as the gentlemen joined them.

The requisite greetings were exchanged, and the other women also adjusted their positions to accommodate the men in their circle.

“Good evening, Miss Lancaster,” Lord Meredith said to Dahlia.

“Your Lordship.” Dahlia inclined her head.

Lord Meredith opened his mouth as if he would say more, but Dahlia looked away. He cleared his throat and turned to Hazel’s uncle instead. “Lord Strathmore, I’m glad to have encountered you tonight. If you’ll tolerate just a moment of business-related discussion, the matter is rather time-sensitive.” Lord Meredith looked around the circle. “I beg your pardon, ladies.”

“Certainly,” Lord Strathmore said. He shifted his position to give the conversation what privacy was possible in a crowded hall, leaving Lord Benedict with the young ladies.

“How do you find the opera, Miss Kirby?” he asked.

Vivian wished she hadn’t happened to be the person standing beside Lord Strathmore when Lord Benedict had arrived. As it was, the two were now pressed closely in the crush of people, and he had no choice but to speak with her.

“Well enough,” Vivian said. She motioned toward her friend. “Actually, Miss Thornton is the opera lover.”

“Oh? And are you enjoying it this evening?” he asked Hazel.

“Aidais one of my favorites, although I am rather partial to singspiel.” Her cheeks turned pink, as if she were embarrassed by the confession. “I preferThe Magic Flute.”

---