London—several days later
London—several days laterAs much as Esmeralda had enjoyed the ruse and her Christmas at Rockmorton Manor, it was a relief to return to London and shed her disguise.
She and Ophelia returned to London in Montgomery’s carriage, then had left his house in a cab. It had been a frantic journey, made with all the haste they could manage. They had changed cabs twice after leaving Montgomery’s London house, ultimately ending up at the closed theatre. There, they retreated to a dressing room.
Esmeralda could not deny that the possibility of the Duke of Haynesdale in pursuit gave her a welcome thrill. It might be worth having him uncover the truth.
The myriad veils and horrific coat were the first to go, then the wig that itched beyond all else.
“Keep it all,” Esmerald
