good.
----
Z ach squirmed in his theatre seat.
What was it about that woman? She had dressed conservatively in a dark-green day gown, plain and simple. Small wisps and curls of blond hair feathered out from the severe bun holding the rest of her coif tight. Her eyesâbrown. Or were they green? Brown with green flecks, a few golden sparkles too. Eyes that could hold a man captive. Such a delicate little figure, but lush in all the right places.
Yes, she was beautiful, but she didnât know how truly beautiful she was. Something held her back. She trembled as though she wished she were invisibleâlike a wood sprite who had appeared from another realm and might vanish in an instant. She lacked confidence and courageâthat was clear.
But that voice⦠He had never heard anything quite like it. Angels had come down from heaven and sung through this nervous woman.
Nanette was up next for her audition. She was also a soprano, and though quite talented, her voice was nothing compared to Lady Sophieâs. Zach had to see her before she left, had to tell her how moved he had been by her audition.
âLadies and gentlemen,â he said, standing, âweâre going to take a short respite. Miss Lloyd, youâre next. Go ahead and use this time to warm up with Lord Thornton at the piano.â
âBut Zachâ¦â Nanette whined.
Zach didnât respond. Instead, he rushed out of the theatre and into the lobby. No sign of Lady Sophie. Looking out the door, he spied her getting into a hansom cab. The cabbie had taken her hand and was helping her into the coach.
He pushed the heavy glass door open and ran forward. âMy lady, wait!â
Lady Sophie turned around, her face flushing a lovely raspberry color. She arched her eyebrows.
âIf I may have a moment?â he said.
âIâm sorry. I am getting ready to leave for the Brighton estate, as you can see.â
âYes, yes.â He turned to the cabbie. âYou may go on. Iâll arrange for Lady Sophieâs transport in a few moments.â
âYes, sir.â The cabbie tipped his hat.
âMr. NewlandââSophie cleared her throat gentlyââwhat is this about? This is highly irregular, not to mention improper.â
âYes, my lady, and I offer you my apologies. However, I could not let you leave without telling you how thoroughly I enjoyed your audition. I would like to offer you a leading role in the new musicale.â
âHow are you able to offer me anything? You havenât heard the other auditions yet.â
âI am familiar with all of the other actors and actresses who will be auditioning today. I know their voices. None of them can come close to you, my lady.â
Sophie fidgeted with her reticule. âIâm afraid, Mr. Newland, that I will be unable to accept a role in the production.â
What? Not able to accept? Did this woman have any idea of the talent she possessed?
Her pink lips trembled ever so slightly, and her cheeks deepened from raspberry to aubergine. Zach gulped, his pulse quickening. Had anyone kissed those lips? How they beckoned him. Sophie was of average height, coming up to his chest. He again eyed her dazzling blond hair swept up tight with only a few wispy curls free. How might it look flowing freely over her milky-white shoulders? Over her pert breasts?
âIf you would be so kind, Mr. Newlandâ¦â
Zach stood, mouth agape. She had said something after his name, but he had heard no words. Only that voice, that voice from an angel, swirled around his head. He could not get enough of it. Still those rosy lips trembled, calling to him.
He couldnât help himself. He gripped her shoulders, lowered his head, and pressed his lips to hers.
CHAPTER THREE
W hat is happening ?
Mr. Newland was⦠kissing her.
Sophie gasped, the air suctioning Mr. Newlandâs lips even more onto hers. She hardly knew this man, and indeed, it was