Her eyes remained on me. I sensed her mind ticking away. “Do you think you could learn a song by tomorrow?”
I bit into my cheek. “Like someone else’s?”
She nodded. “A Bizet song fromCarmen.”
Theadora hummed the song she had in mind.
“I love that song,” I said.
“‘La Habanera.’ Very sexy.” She shimmied her shoulders and giggled.
My mind swirled with all kinds of possibilities. “Do you think I could sing it? I’m not a soprano.”
“But that’s better still. Sing it with that husky voice of yours. Make it your own.”
My face hurt from smiling, as anticipation pumped through me. “I’ll go home right now and download it.” Adjusting my backpack, I asked, “Who else is performing? It’s a soiree you say?”
“Poetry recitals and other musical numbers, I believe. Old-fashioned and stuffy.”
I laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with poetry.”
Her thoughts were somewhere else. I could see Theadora creating a performance piece on the spot. I didn’t mind. I welcomed my creative juices flowing again. Recording my song had been so mechanical, with all those repeated takes, that it was a chore.
“There’s a market in Trentham tomorrow morning. We can go there and find something for you to wear. Something slinky.”
I shook my head. “I think you’ve missed your calling as a director.”
She giggled. “I’m all excited suddenly. I’m so glad I ran into you. With you there, we can have some fun.”
“Okay, then. I’ve got a song to learn. And we’re off to market in the morning for a slinky dress.” I frowned. “Will I find one there?”
“There are so many stalls of vintage designer. I’m sure there’ll be something interesting and sexy.”
“I can’t wait,” I said. “Text me the rehearsal time.”
“How about four?”
I nodded slowly. “I’ll hurry back now and get cracking. I may not have the words down today. But I’ve got until tomorrow night.”
I waved as she rode off on her bike.
Chapter 14
Ethan
Whenthewordarrogancewas invented, they had Reynard Crisp in mind. Dressed in a blue velvet dinner jacket, he owned his wealthy pedigree like a dictator who’d bludgeoned his way to power. He wore that signature insipid smile, which never quite reached his eyes, while he stood with a stiff posture, engaging in social niceties with the guests.
I’d never had anything against him. Until now.
Declan and Savanah joined me.
“Do you think he’s had Botox?” I slanted my head towards the man we’d placed at the top of our murder-suspect list.
“Probably.” Declan’s curt response startled me. If anyone should have been making a fuss about that prick’s presence, it was him.
“Why are you taking this so easily?” I asked.
Savanah interjected. “I agree. I can’t stand him. I told Mummy, and she just told me to like it or leave.”