Secret Heiress by Lillian; Shelley Page B

be too early. It would be so unfashionable and would stamp us as mere provincial nobodies.”
    â€œWe are provincial nobodies,” said Caroline with a laugh. “But have no fear. If we leave now—and the carriage is waiting—we shall just be seated in time for the curtain.” She started for the door. Aurelia, her fan in one hand and her reticule in the other, followed.
    As Caroline had predicted, they reached their seats only a few minutes before the opera began. Aurelia did not seem to concentrate on the performance, being more interested in discovering who was there and what the other women were wearing.
    â€œLook, Caroline, there is Lady Sheppingham,” she whispered. “Oh, I wish the lights were on so I could see if she’s wearing the Sheppingham rubies.”
    â€œOh, hush, Aurelia,” replied Caroline in an undertone. “I’m certain you’re disturbing the other people.”
    â€œIndeed you are, madam,” said an annoyed voice from behind. Caroline stifled a laugh, but Aurelia began fanning herself in embarrassment. However, she remained silent for the remainder of the first act.
    When the lights went on for the intermission, Caroline and Aurelia strolled out into the foyer. Here Aurelia could gaze to her heart’s content. Even Caroline was amazed at the gown on one of the women, not realizing that a box at the King’s Theatre was the “shop window” of the Cyprians and that it was Harriette Wilson herself who was the object of her scrutiny.
    â€œI must say I think that gown is quite revealing,” Caroline was saying when a man came up behind her.
    â€œDare I believe my eyes?” he asked. “Can it be Miss Chessington?”
    Caroline turned around. Standing there was Adrian Bradford.
    â€œYes, I am Caroline Chessington. And you, I believe, are the gentleman I met in Mr. Stokes’s office.”
    â€œAdrian Bradford,” he said. “I did not expect you to remember my name and I am honored that you remembered my face.”
    Aurelia made a small noise in her throat and Caroline remembered her presence.
    â€œAurelia, may I present Mr. Bradford? Mr. Bradford, my cousin, Miss Peakirk.”
    Aurelia held out her hand. “Delighted, Mr. Bradford,” she said. “Did you not say you met Caroline in the office of her man of business?”
    â€œIt was some weeks ago, Aurelia,” interrupted Caroline. “I had to speak to him about something at home.”
    â€œBut I cannot imagine his not coming to see you,” said Aurelia. “Surely you did not have to see him in his office?”
    â€œAh, but it was seeing Miss Chessington in such an unlikely setting which intrigued me. Miss Peakirk. It is so rare to see a female with a head for business matters.”
    â€œOh, how right you are, Mr. Bradford,” tittered Aurelia. “I myself have no understanding at all of business. My dear father used to tell me I was his silly widgeon. But Caroline—so extraordinary, really—has always been interested in business. She takes such an interest in the running of Br—”
    â€œI think the performance is about to begin again,” interrupted Caroline, trying to stop Aurelia from giving away the name of her home.
    â€œMay I see you home?” asked Adrian. “I remember that the last time you refused me. I hope you will not refuse me again. I shall be so hurt!”
    Caroline smiled. “I believe there is an actor in your past,” she said. “However, we must decline as we have already made arrangements.”
    â€œThen may I call on you tomorrow?” he asked. “Surely you cannot refuse a proper request? Miss Peakirk, I appeal to you to use your influence with Miss Chessington.”
    â€œOh,” said Aurelia, “we would be honored to have you call on us, wouldn’t we, Caroline?”
    Caroline laughed. “We would be happy to see you tomorrow, Mr.