Regency romance with a Gothic twist.

EXCERPT:

Love in the Midst of Midnight

(Two women duke it out for love and the theatre.)

Titania’s eyes reddened, and her lower lids grew moist. “I see… Carry on then. It wasn’t my intention to disturb you.” Rather than leave, though, she floated into the parlor, pressing the back of her hand tragically to her forehead. “It’s a critical night for me as well.”

“Mrs. Breeze is a newcomer,” Ash stated.

“Will you be singing ‘Barbara Allen’ tonight?”

Livi didn’t know how to respond.

“People are saying the party’s really an audition for Margaretta in No Song, No Supper. Sheri’s staging it at Drury Lane, correct Mrs. Breeze?”

“I had no idea.”

“Margaretta’s a soprano role.” Titania stroked her hair. “My audition piece for such roles has always been ‘Barbara Allen.’ But you knew that, didn’t you Ash?”

He shook his head, looking confused. “You’ve never sung it that I’ve heard.”

 “How could you say that?” She turned on him with pain-filled eyes. “We’ve practiced it many times in this very room.”

“That’s not so, you—"

“Fear not, I’ll sing the ‘Queen of the Night’ aria from Mozart’s Magic Flute.”

Livi’s stomach clenched. If tonight is a competition for Margaretta, she’d just lost to an aria with F6 notes above high C.

Titania added, “You won’t change your mind and take the aria for yourself, will you?” Though spoken softly, something steely clanged in her voice—a warning to keep away from Ash and a fight to the death for the part of Margaretta.

Livi was unnerved. She had to remind herself she didn’t need Ash. I don’t need any man… I don’t…truly. But a role in a play… on stage instead of singing on the street, I’d go to war for that.

Hands clasped in an expression of pitiable supplication, Titania said, “Ash, I couldn’t bear anyone else on the piano.”

“We’ve hired a man to accompany singers.”

“But dearest—” Her foe brushed non-existent dust from Ash’s shoulder. It was a gesture of ownership, and though Livi prided herself on her even temper, it snapped. Rising abruptly from her chair, she went to the door and held it open. “I’m sure Mr. Crispen would be delighted to accompany us both. Goodbye.”