Episode 18

The opulence of the London theatre was overwhelming. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm glow over the richly decorated boxes. The voices of London’s high society echoed against the gilded walls as elegantly dressed figures filled the seats, all eager for the evening’s performance.

Lilian sat in Lady Penelope’s private box, with Whitaker beside her, holding his ornate cane with an air of superiority. Lady Penelope, ever elegant and composed, leaned forward to speak with a lady in the adjacent box. Lilian, however, barely registered the voices around her. Anxiety gripped her, her gaze wandering toward the stage, though her mind was elsewhere.

"You look far too serious, my dear," Whitaker murmured, leaning slightly toward her. His tone was calm but carried an underlying authority. "Remember to smile. We are here to be seen, after all."

Lilian tightened her grip on the fan in her hands, forcing a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "I appreciate the reminder, Lord Whitaker. I shall try to be more... agreeable."

Before he could respond, a theatre attendant approached and whispered something in his ear. Whitaker stood abruptly, his movements elegant but tinged with barely concealed impatience. "Unfortunately, I must take my leave early. An urgent matter requires my attention." He gave a brief bow to Lady Penelope. "I hope you enjoy the play without me."

Lady Penelope responded with a polite smile, but as soon as the door closed behind Whitaker, Lilian felt her shoulders relax slightly. The air in the box seemed lighter, as if his absence alone allowed her to breathe more freely.

A few minutes later, movement at the entrance of the box drew her attention. The tall, confident figure of Gabriel appeared, followed by Damien, both dressed for the evening. Gabriel’s entrance was discreet, but to Lilian, it felt as though the entire room had shrunk. His gaze met hers in a fleeting yet intense moment—challenging, almost. A shiver ran down her spine before Damien broke the silence.

"What a delightful coincidence," Damien said with a jovial smile, bowing to kiss Lady Penelope’s hand. "I hope you won’t mind us sharing your box. The play is always more entertaining in the right company."

Lady Penelope smiled, casting a quick glance at Lilian before responding. "It would be a pleasure to have you join us. Wouldn’t it, Lilian?"

Lilian, feeling Gabriel’s gaze on her, forced herself to nod. "Of course. It is always good to see... friends." The word came out softer than she had intended, and Gabriel’s smile widened.

Gabriel took the seat beside Lilian, while Damien settled next to Lady Penelope. Leaning in slightly, Damien spoke with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I hope you don’t mind, milady, but my dear friend Gabriel seems to have found... inspiration in this very box."

Lady Penelope raised an eyebrow, the corner of her lips curving into a subtle smile. "Inspiration, or distraction?" she murmured in a tone only Damien could hear.

The play resumed, but as it progressed, Lilian could not ignore the occasional glances cast in her direction. She knew Gabriel and Damien’s arrival had drawn attention. London society thrived on gossip, and Gabriel’s presence so close to her would only fuel further speculation.

Lady Penelope leaned slightly toward Gabriel, her sharp eyes assessing him carefully. "I trust the box is meeting your expectations, Lord Sinclair," she remarked with a knowing tone.

Gabriel tilted his head in a courteous gesture, his lips curving into a subtle smile. "Milady, the box is magnificent, but I would say it is the company that truly makes the evening memorable." His words were spoken smoothly. Then, with an almost imperceptible movement, he turned toward Lilian, his gaze steady as it rested upon her. "And Lady Lilian, how have you found London? I hope the city has met your expectations."

Lilian felt her heartbeat quicken at Gabriel’s sudden attention, but she forced herself to remain composed. She lifted her eyes to meet his, encountering that intense stare that seemed to pierce through every layer of her reserve. "London... has been interesting," she replied, with a slight hesitation she could not conceal.

Gabriel leaned in slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Interesting? That is not exactly high praise for the city. Perhaps you need a new perspective to truly appreciate it."

Heat rose to Lilian’s cheeks, but she did not look away. "Perhaps," she responded, her tone now steadier. "But some perspectives are harder to find than others."

Yet, despite her composed words, she found it increasingly difficult to focus on the play. Gabriel’s presence beside her was like a silent fire, threatening to consume her. She could feel the warmth of him, the energy radiating from him, seeping into the space between them.

"I didn’t know you had an interest in theatre, Gabriel," she whispered, her voice low so as not to disturb the others in the box.

He leaned slightly towards her, his face so close that she could catch the subtle scent of his cologne. "I have an interest in many things, Lilian. Especially those that intrigue me."