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there was not one piece in the entire flat that had not been in the glare of the footlights or at least been part of the Imperial Theatre.
    Lisette’s footsteps were muffled as she crossed the room by the Arabian style carpets. She sank onto the wooden chair, careful not to dislodge the lilac velvet.
    ‘I thought you would be later. I heard that the chorus were all going to Benny’s for supper,’ Marie said as she reached down to a small hexagonal table and picked up a delicate teacup.
    ‘I needed a little solitude. I stayed back and tidied up the dressing room,’ Lisette said. It wasn’t a total lie. She had tidied the room a little, but that was before she had gone upstairs and overheard the alarming conversation between her aunt and Lord de Vale.
    ‘Hmm, the tea in the pot is fresh and there is a slice of pork pie.’ Marie took a sip of her tea before she replaced the cup back onto the table.
    ‘Thank you.’ Lisette started to get up off the chair when her aunt held up her hand.
    ‘Wait, before you eat I have something to discuss with you.’
    Lisette settled back and eyed her aunt with interest. For an instant she prayed that she was not the object of Lord de Vale’s attention. But as soon as the idea flitted into her head she dismissed it. No one ever paid her any attention. Well, at least that had been the case until tonight. ‘Is there something amiss, Aunt Marie?’
    ‘No, no...not at all. Bessie has a very small part in the ballet. Do you know the steps?’
    ‘I think so. Her entrance is just before the chorus. I usually watch most of the performance from the wings,’ Lisette answered.
    ‘Good. Tomorrow we shall go over the routine, just to be sure.’
    ‘Is there something wrong with Bessie?’
    Marie raised her head and gave Lisette a hard look. Lisette held her breath for an instant. It was the same look her aunt always wore when she was about to lash out. But miraculously the storm appeared to pass and Aunt Marie almost gave her a slight smile.
    ‘No, it was just that I was thinking...well, Bessie is flighty and I thought someone should know her part.’
    ‘Of course, Aunt Marie. I will make sure I know her steps by tomorrow night.’
    Marie nodded. ‘Excellent. Take your pie and off to bed. We shall start early in the morning.’
    Lisette stood up and gave her aunt a little nod but she had already been dismissed, as Marie had picked up a book from the table and started reading. As she walked past the ornate screen, Lisette stopped, picked up a tin mug, and filled it halfway with the strong tea from the pot. Then she snatched up the pie and headed back towards her room.
    ‘Goodnight, Aunt Marie.’
    ‘Hmm...yes,’ she said, but did not bother to look up.

    ‘Good morning, Evander,’ Alistair, Marquess of Coltswood, said as he entered the breakfast room. ‘I didn’t expect to see you this early.’
    Evander looked up from his plate of smoked salmon-infused scrambled eggs. ‘I thought we were to leave for Gainswith Park this morning?’
    Alistair was a slightly older version of Evander. Both had inherited their mother’s dark hair and sherry-coloured eyes. However, Evander always liked to tease his brother that even though Alistair will inherit the title, Evander would always be two inches taller.
    ‘We are. I am merely surprised that you are eager to go.’
    ‘Eager is not the word to describe my feeling on the matter. However, you do see me as irresponsible...and perhaps I am. But that does not mean I disregard the position of our family and the duties that come with it.’
    Alistair sat down at the head of the table before he smiled at his younger brother. ‘I am glad to hear it. And I do not see you as irresponsible. You remind me of myself at your age. It’s Father that is the problem. He believes that as you have finished your education and had your grand tour...’
    ‘It was hardly that, Alistair. I was gone for less than a month.’
    ‘Yes, yes...I know. I’m only