The Earl I Adore by Erin Knightley Page B

more loudly, “We are indeed. Shockingly enough, I’ve never attended an opera.”
    Sophie gestured to Evan’s sister as she stepped down to the pavement. “I must introduce you to Lady Julia. She is also new to the experience.”
    May played her part beautifully, exclaiming over the opportunity to attend the performance with another opera newcomer. She even managed to reposition their little party so Sophie was beside Evan, bless her. With Lady Stanwix in the lead, May and Lady Julia in the middle, and Sophie and Evan trailing behind, they entered the Ballroom.
    Despite it being midafternoon, the space was dark, thanks to the series of blinds lining the windows, each painted with classical figures and vases. The chandeliersremained unlit, with only the wall sconces providing illumination for them to find a place to sit. It was surprisingly atmospheric, considering the bright sunshine they had just left. The chairs were arranged in a different configuration than usual, all facing the entrance to the Great Octagon located in the center of the building.
    â€œThey must be planning to sing from the musicians’ gallery,” Sophie said, nodding to the wide alcove with its great arching ceiling perched above the door. Huge swags of flowered garlands were draped from the railing, and several candles flickered from the matching candelabra that bracketed the center section.
    Lady Stanwix paused, her mouth turned down in a forbidding frown. “Terrible planning on their part. Do they wish for us all to strain our necks, gauping like peasants from below?” She sniffed, lifting her chin in a way that made Sophie bite her lip to keep from grinning. It seemed as though Lady Stanwix had plenty of experience with her nose in the air. Shaking her head, the older woman sighed. “I suppose we shall have to relegate ourselves to the last row. It will require the least offensive angle for viewing, I imagine.” She lifted her skirts an inch and swept down the center aisle, leaving them to follow.
    Sophie met Evan’s amused gaze. “Will the back row suffice for your sensibilities as well?”
    â€œI suppose it shall have to do,” he replied with mock gravity.
    May’s aunt claimed the aisle seat, and May and Lady Julia filed in next, then Sophie, and Evan on Sophie’s right. Sophie allowed herself a little smile. Lady Stanwix’s presence may not have been ideal, but sitting in the back row would allow them as much privacy as one could hope for in a crowded hall.
    Not wanting to waste even a moment in his presence,Sophie turned to him and smiled. “It was good of you to accompany us today. I know that it was your sister’s idea, but I do hope you enjoy it.” It was a little awkward trying to talk without allowing her knees to angle too closely to his. Not that she wouldn’t delight in such a thing, but she didn’t intend to give him any reason to move away from her.
    â€œNot at all,” he said. He, too, seemed to be completely earnest. “I have a tremendous appreciation for opera. If my lot in life had been different, I’d like to think I would have given the stage a go.”
    â€œNo!” Sophie gaped at him, amazed by the confession. “I had no idea. Are you a very good singer, then?”
    Fabric rustled as Lady Julia leaned forward, joining the conversation. “He is. You should hear him when he sings Mozart’s
Idomeneo
. I’m eager to hear the prima donnas here today, mainly because I cannot imagine that they are any better than he is.”
    â€œ
Idomeneo
?” Sophie repeated, looking to Evan with new appreciation. “In English or Italian?”
    He pretended to be insulted. “Italian, of course. One does not adulterate a work of art. It would be blasphemy.”
    â€œQuite,” she replied, at a loss for anything else to say. She was too busy imagining what it would be like to hear him sing—or better