Page 22 of One Chance

All I needed were six dates.

EIGHT

LEE

“My lord.My lady. Please, after me.” Our host, dressed as a medieval page boy, swooped low into a bow before leading Emma and me into Outtatowner’s local theater.

The latest production wasn’t a play but rather dinner and a tournament, including a madrigal dinner, knights’ tournament, and revelry.

It was Emma’s idea, and who was I to deny a woman her pleasures?

That was, until she also insisted we dress up for it. Emma’s outfit was a long, flowing gown made of what looked like silk and velvet. It was fitted at the waist and flared out at the bottom, creating a dramatic silhouette on her petite frame. The sleeves of the dress were long and fitted, with a slit down the middle that showed off a silky undershirt with puffy sleeves.

The neckline of her dress was square, with fancy embroidery around the edges. Emma also wore a small crown-like headpiece with jewels and embroidery that matched the dress and dipped into the middle of her forehead.

It was clear she was taking this very, very seriously.

I leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You look nice.”

Emma smiled. “Thank you! I’m a ho for a good costume party.” She held her smile, but her eyes drifted over my outfit. I couldn’t blame her. Assuming my jeans and work boots wouldn’t be medieval-era appropriate, I’d enlisted the help of Wyatt’s fiancée, Lark, and my niece, Pickle.

Big mistake.

Thanks to those two, I wore an oversize blouse of Lark’s that was nearly skintight on me and a pair of black trousers. Pickle insisted on using safety pins to attach a chenille blanket to my shoulders as a cape, and I looked more like a drunk pirate than a medieval lord.

The lights dimmed, and Emma clapped her hands together. Her voice was soft and low. “This is so exciting, isn’t it?”

Our local theater had been transformed. The company had added castle-like elements to the stage and seating area. Large stone walls had been crafted and tapestries had been hung around the theater to create the feeling of a dark castle. The small stage was decorated with wooden benches, crates, and barrels.

Flickering bulbs had been added to the sconces lining the perimeter of the theater. Fake candles and torches were everywhere. Through the dim lighting, we were led to our seats.

“Welcome to the knights’ table. I’ll be your server, Marcus. May I get you something from the barkeep?”

Emma was practically dancing out of her seat as she looked over the small paper menu in front of her. “One mug of Maiden’s Mead for me, please!”

I looked down the menu, without a clue what any of the drinks were. “Do you have Dr Pepper?”

Marcus scoffed. “I’m afraid I have never heard of such an ale, my lord.”

He and Emma burst into a tittering round of laughter. It was too ridiculous not to join them, and I chuckled. “I, uh... I’ll take a Knight’s Nectar then.”

Marcus winked. “Of course, my lord.”

As he walked away, I took in the scene in front of me. Despite the insistence the audience stay in character, apparently iPhones were okay. Several of the actors leading guests to their seats were illuminating the dim walkway with their phones.

I leaned back into my seat, trying to relax. “So, Emma, I—”

“Hear ye! Hear ye! Attention in the hall!” A loud voice boomed and crackled over the speakers. “On behalf of our royal cousins and kin, I bid thee great welcome to our humble hall. Hail and welcome, good lords and ladies, neighbors and kindred to this—a celebration of a madrigal feast. We are privileged this evening to have in our presence royalty and nobility from lands far and wide. Let the announcements and procession begin!”

I leaned closer. “Emma, thanks for coming out tonight.”

“Shh!” Emma swatted my arm. “And call me Lady Emmaline.”

I relaxed back into my chair and laughed. I knew Emma from around town, and she was a bit of a nut, but a good time.

And I loved a good time.

The show and feast made it difficult to have a real conversation with Emma, particularly because of how into the show she was, and honestly, by the time the actors were performing a sword fight, I was hooked.

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