Carlotta had grown comfortable around Ubaldo. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she trusted him. She didn't trust many people with her innermost thoughts, after all, someone could always come back and use that information against her. But with Ubaldo, she truly believed he had her best interest at heart and would keep safe whatever secrets she entrusted him with.
In her past, she'd used men as much as they'd used her. One had given her a bit of money and eventually brought her to Paris. Another had gotten her her first formal voice lessons. Each one seemed to introduce her to her next level of her career. In return, the men received her companionship, and sometimes her body. It wasn't that she was a whore or gave herself to anyone who asked, but she wasn't a virgin by any means and knew the ways of the world.
But Ubaldo didn't ask that of her. Many men just assumed that because she worked in the theatre, she would be available or amenable to the suggestion at the end of the night. Ubaldo, on the other hand, was patient and content enough just to sit talking with her. It was a refreshing experience. So refreshing, in fact, that she found herself opening up to him and divulging things she shared to no one. She didn't have many close friends and wasn't extremely close to her family, but she soon started telling Ubaldo about her fears of losing her voice or her public. She sought solace in his arms and, for the first time in a long time, felt as though everything would work out.
Without even realising it, she found herself growing closer to Ubaldo. Her relationship with Comte Renard had cooled to a deep friendship ever since his marriage and she hadn't found anyone to replace him as a lover. She hadn't really felt the need to, either, as she'd gained so many admirers as principal soprano. Why stick to one person when there were so many vying for her attention and aligning with one person could possibly alienate the rest?
The summer between Ubaldo's first and second season at the Paris Opera found Carlotta and Ubaldo spending many lazy afternoons together, just enjoying each other's company. Interspersed with the walks in various parks, carriage rides, and lunches at cafes, they also worked on their roles for the upcoming season.
During this time, they also grew physically closer. She didn't know who started it, but they were rehearsing a scene where the tenor and soprano needed to kiss. It started out as a simple rehearsal of the scene, but the kiss grew more and more passionate. Ubaldo's hands soon went into Carlotta's hair, pulling the hairpins out so it would flow free about her shoulders. She did remember that he had started out gentle, as if afraid to hurt her, until she had to tell him it was all right and that allowed him to show his true hunger for her. From there, Carlotta couldn't remember the details, but the end result was the maid knocking on her bedroom door asking if she should prepare dinner for the two of them.
And thus, Carlotta Guidicelli and Ubaldo Piangi became an unofficial couple.