The play was a piece of humor, a complete farce from one end to the other. Caithren found herself laughing not only at the actors, but also at the comments and suggestions shouted to them from the audience. “Look behind you!” someone yelled, and she dissolved in mirth when the performer did just that. The spectators’ robust criticism was entertaining as well.
A few minutes into the performance, a couple entered their box and sat behind them. When Jason and Cait both turned around and smiled, Cait’s jaw dropped open at the sight of the haughty lady’s gown. Fashioned of screaming yellow satin, the gown’s train was so long it trailed into the corridor, and the neckline was so low, Cait half-expected the woman’s ample bosom to pop out. Jason saw the look on her face and began to laugh, but she squeezed his hand until he settled down.
The stage was unlike any she’d ever seen. The first time the painted background moved, she gasped.
“I take it there’s no moving scenery back home,” Jason whispered.
“There’s no scenery at all. Traveling players come to Insch sometimes and perform in whatever place is handy. I’ve never been in a real theater.”
She watched, fascinated, while stagehands manipulated the scene. The curtains weren’t closed for this, and actresses sang and danced at the front of the stage to entertain the audience during the change. Many people whistled and cheered, apparently enjoying the between-scenes acts more than the play itself.
Though she laughed at all the buffoonery, Caithren’s attention wandered between the play and Jason’s hand in hers. After a while, he moved his chair closer, and his nearness was distracting. She could feel his warmth. When he draped his arm across the back of her chair, she laid her head on his shoulder and sighed, wondering if she’d ever see him again after tomorrow.
Tomorrow she’d find Adam, and then it would be time to head back home. Adam might even attend tonight’s ball, in which case she could start for home immediately.
A tiny part of her almost hoped he wouldn’t be there, after all.
All too soon the play was over, and they rose to depart. “I’ve never laughed so much in all my life,” she told Jason. “I thank you for bringing me.”
He flashed a smile that sent her pulse to racing. “Nothing could make me happier than seeing your enjoyment.”
A throat cleared behind them. He swung her around and introduced her to their box companions, Lord and Lady Martindale, who said they were going to the ball as well. Lady Martindale leaned close, her sausagelike fingers reaching for Caithren’s amulet. “A lovely, large emerald,” she said with a sniff, “but my heavens, the mounting looks like it’s been around since the Crusades.”
Cait snatched it from her hand and held it possessively. “It has.”
The woman pulled back in surprise, her blond curls seeming to shudder along with her. “You’re young, so perhaps you don’t know that fashionable people have their jewels reset every few years.”
“I’m not fashionable. I’m Scottish.”
Jason stifled a laugh while Lord Martindale took his wife by the arm. “That will do, my dear,” he said, making Cait a small bow. Lady Martindale looked at her curiously as they said their good-byes and left.
Jason took Cait’s hand again and drew her to the stairs. “Lady Martindale is wondering what you’re doing with a provincial Scot,” she commented.
“Bosh.” He paused to let his gaze wander her fancy gown. “You look English tonight.”
“Not when I open my mouth.”
He grinned at that and kissed her smack on the lips.
As she laughed and pulled him out of the theater, she couldn’t help thinking he was acting mighty strange this eve—as though he were determined to show her a good time even if it killed him.
SIXTY
“HMM.” AS A footman ushered them into Lady Carson’s home, Jason glanced around at the many curious faces. “I suspect Lady Martindale has arrived before us.”
Before Cait could comment, their hostess rushed up to greet them. “Lord Cainewood? Why, I hardly recognized you without the mustache. You look like your brother.” She smoothed her lavender lace skirt. “Do come in. Your attendance is a delightful surprise. And this is Lady…?”
When Jason blinked, Cait wondered if he felt put on the spot. “Lady Carson,” he said, “may I introduce—”
“Caithren Leslie,” she piped up for herself. “Of Leslie Manor in Leslie by Insch, Scotland.” Though she’d made up the manor part, her father had been a baronet.
“Lady Leslie,” Lady Carson gushed. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Lady Caithren.” Jason corrected the name, but not, Cait noticed, the unwarranted title. “My guest is yet unmarried.”
“Ah, I see.”
Cait thought Lady Carson saw all too much. “I’m glad of your acquaintance,” she told her, her gaze wandering the crowded entrance hall. Many people were looking their way, the ladies rather obviously gossiping behind fancy upheld fans. She wondered if they were discussing Jason’s altered appearance, or her, his mysterious companion.
She was certain she’d find Adam here. He must be in London by now, and he’d never miss a fussy occasion like this.
“Lady Carson,” she ventured. “I am wondering if my brother is on your guest list. Adam Leslie?”
“Adam Leslie? Not that I’m aware of. Though my balls are often attended by many uninvited.” Her tone said she was proud of that fact. And she seemed thrilled to have a new face at her party, because the next thing she said was, “Come, let me introduce you to some of my guests.”
Cait could only gawk as the tall, elegant woman led them through an enormous entry hall and past a few other large, well-lit chambers, one set aside for card playing, another for the ladies to freshen up. In yet another room, long tables groaned with food and drink. If Cait had thought Jason’s house was impressive, she was positively bowled over by Lady Carson’s abode. It could only be described
