Philip watches Meg the night that his play is first performed. She is such a charming girl, and a good actress. The dress of blue she wears, trimmed with white and blue flowers, and white ruffles at the sleeves, looks very pretty on her.
Christine, as the princess, wears a pale rose-colored gown, with the overskirt drawn up in double flounces, and sheer, gold-edged ruffles at the elbow sleeves. Her hair is drawn up in ringlets, with a delicate gold tiara, where Meg's is down, and they compliment each other beautifully.
Helen, who has a flair for drama she inherited from her father, cheerfully plays Madame Alliais, Edeline's employer. She brings comedy to the play, with her over-the-top acting and high, affected voice. No one knows who she is, as she has taken an assumed name to play the role.
Raoul does his best, and for Philip, it is enough. He is not a slavedriver, most certainly. Still, it is sweet to watch him perform opposite his wife, and their real-life relationship makes their stage romance look more real.
He himself plays King Dominck to perfection, and in between his scenes, makes sure everything is running smoothly.
XVX
Helen is a young girl, but she is not immune to noticing things. Such as the way Meg smiles at Philip, holds his hand just a bit too long in the love duet before she is supposed to let go. Helen watches, and wonders.
Caroline, who practically adores Meg, thinks that she and Philip, whom she and Helen love like a brother, should get married. She tells Meg as much at the gala held to celebrate the successful opening night for the play.
''I think that Philip likes you.'' she says.
''Caroline, don't talk so!'' Meg exclaims, nearly dropping her glass of champagne. ''It's most improper to say such things.''
''But you like him.'' she persists.
Meg throws a hand up in the air. ''So? That's nothing!''
Caroline rolls her eyes. Then she pulls Meg aside, and tells her something she has never told anyone. Anyone.
''When I was younger, about five years ago, my father brought Jenny Lind to sing, as one of his acts. She had a wonderful voice, like a nightingale. Everyone loved her voice. But Father, I noticed something in his eyes when he was around Jenny Lind, and for a long time I wondered what it was. When I was older, I guessed it. He had been in love with her.''
''But, he was married.''
''It doesn't matter, Meg. He was. Had he not been married, I am sure he would have married her. But my father did love her, though he could never admit it.'' Caroline says. ''The same thing could happen to you and Philip should he marry, and you never tell him anything about how you might feel.''
Meg nods, and upon leaving, bumps into Christine.
''Meg, you were wonderful! And so is Mr Carlyle!'' her friend exclaims.
''Yes, he is, isn't he?'' Meg replies. ''How are you faring?''
Christine sighs. ''We've only been married a few months. I wish- we're really hoping for a child. We both want one. If it's a boy, we'll name it Gustave, after my father.''
''What if it's a girl?''
The other girl shrugs. ''We're still not sure. Maybe Elissa? After the heroine in Hannibal? That was the opera that caused us to reunite, after all.''
''I'm sure Raoul would love that.''
