30
Théâtre Bohème, 5 December 1870
Pay attention, Radcliffe had said. Johann couldn’t be sure because he recognized he was under the influence of some sort of substance, but Marie felt lighter, and she sounded younger with all the stubbornness of a typical teen. Johann’s mind drifted to the past in spite of his wanting to listen to the conversation. He remembered that attitude well from his own younger sister Lizbeth. She was probably married off by now to someone who would help increase the fortunes of the estate or its influence or—
“Very well, Mademoiselle,” the spirit said and broke through Johann’s fog of memory and resentment. “You can stay there in the chamber while I see how the orchestra is getting on without Maestro Bledsoe, but be aware I will be back, and I will discover you
