Louisa sighed. “But he did not lie. Everything he said was true. My behavior has been unbecoming, and even more so as of late. Sometimes my flirting brings me shame, but I’ve always been able to justify my actions in one way or another.”
“I don’t understand,” Amy said, frowning. “Why act in a way that makes you feel shame?”
Louisa went to respond but grabbed Amy by the arm and pulled her into the doorway of the nearest shop.
“What is it?” Amy asked.
Louisa put her finger to her lips and peeked around the corner. Lord Ezra Colburn, the very man who had threatened to ruin the school, who seemed to despise Mrs. Rutley more than anyone else on this earth, was speaking to the proprietor of the theater.
Now, what does he want with Mr. Barker?Too bad they were too far away to make out what they were saying.
The two men shook hands, and Lord Ezra stepped into a waiting carriage. Louisa waited until the carriage was gone before emerging from their hiding place and hurrying to the theater.
Mr. Barker was sweeping the foyer when they entered. “Ah, Miss Dunston, what a pleasant surprise. And Miss Felton if I recall? I have a good mind for names.”
“Yes, sir,” Amy replied.
A wave of guilt washed over Louisa for the lies she had told this man concerning Mrs. Rutley’s attraction to him. Now, with Lord Ezra causing who knew what sorts of problems, it was about time she was truthful.
“I owe you an apology, Mr. Barker,” Louisa said, a sourness rising in her stomach.
“Do you?” Mr. Barker asked, clearly taken aback.
“Indeed, I do. It concerns my headmistress. I’m afraid I haven’t been exactly forthright with you about what she feels for you.” She could feel heat rise in her cheeks as she went on to explain. Confessing her wrongdoing was not as easy as she thought it would be. Then again, perhaps discomfort was her penance for her dishonesty.
When she was finished, Mr. Barker smiled. “There is no need to apologize, Miss Dunston. Mrs. Rutley and I are friends. I have a great deal of respect for her, and that is what matters.”
“You’re a kind man, Mr. Barker.”
He snorted and waved a hand at her. “It’s all in the past now. So, how many tickets did you sell? I assume that’s why you’re here.”
Louisa gave him a proud smile. “All of them. I’ve also collected money and have a list of those willing to donate if you choose to keep the theater open.”
Mr. Barker gaped as she handed him the money and the list. “You should feel proud of yourself, Miss Dunston. I’ll never be able to thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
“You’re more than welcome,” Louisa replied. “Though, I must ask. Have you decided what you plan to do?”
He chuckled and returned to his sweeping. “Lord Ezra just asked me that very question, and I’ll tell you what I told him. After the performance on Friday, I want you and Sir Aaron to each present your plan to those who are in attendance. You’ll explain how much it will cost to implement said plan, and we’ll put it to a vote. Let’s allow the people to decide.”
Louisa smiled. “I would be honored to do so, Mr. Barker,” she said. “And don’t worry. Come Friday, we’ll be celebrating our victory!”
As she and Amy walked back to the school, Louisa imagined herself giving her speech and the applause and adulation that would follow. Yet the victory she so desired no longer held the appeal it once had, for it meant Sir Aaron would lose.
But they would be able to work past such a problem.
Would they not?
ChapterThirty-One
Sir Aaron had invited Louisa on an outing as a way to celebrate all they had accomplished. Although Louisa ought to have been enjoying the passing scenery and enjoying their time together, she found herself wishing she had not accepted. What if all they had built together came crashing down because of a vote? This problem should have been at the forefront of her mind, but instead, she shoved it into a trunk and slammed down the lid to keep from considering it.
To make matters worse, she had written to her father about Sir Aaron. He had replied, saying he would collect her Monday morning. What he did not include was his approval.
He cares nothing for you,she told herself. Finding her own husband only made his job that much easier. Now he could wash his hands of her once and for all.
And after the performance tomorrow, it likely would not matter.
The carriage began ascending a sharp incline, slowing their pace. She considered asking Sir Aaron where they were going, but his demeanor appeared to reflect how she felt. Sad.