Cloaked Heart

.·:*¨༺ Eleven ༻¨*:·.

If there was one thing that Win enjoyed when he was a young child, that would be attending theaters and opera houses. The sheer athleticism required to perform operatic repertoire astounds him until now, and the best of the best make it look effortless, all the while traversing the stage in elaborate costumes and conveying the power and emotion of the character.

For added exposure, it was only fathomable that Lady Vanderveer would bring him to one, and it was to be a very special evening at the Royal Theater in the capital. Two well-known actors were set to appear in a version of a play about two people engaging in a game of cards, and though it was a thorny subject to Win's heart, he was indeed looking forward to seeing it and meeting the country's foremost celebrities. So, it appeared, did most of the beau monde, for the theater was filled to capacity.

Prominently seated in Lord Vanderveer's box, Win was beginning to appreciate how pleasant the situation of the privilege was to the one he had been obliged to endure for the last few years. It has been easy for him to slip back to the world of the wealthy, as opposed to the life of subservience that he thought would be his forever. Being befriended by the likes of Lady Vanderveer or even the Duke Consort Gun did have its advantage, but a nagging voice inside his head insisted upon reminding him frequently that his new comfortable existence was mainly due to the marquis's generosity.

Before they left for the theater, Win surveyed himself in front of the mirror and could scarcely believe the transformation in such a short period of time. The person staring back at him from the mirror bore no resemblance to the young mentor at J. Adams Academy. Nowadays, whenever he and Lady Vanderveer ventured out, they were accosted by elitists of the ton, everyone eager to know him on a more personal level. Win dislike the attention but he wouldn't wish for Lady Vanderveer's kindness to go to waste, and so he was inclined to smile which the ladies always find adorable. However, one of the frequent callers at the Vanderveer House was surprisingly, Sir Luke Harley. He no longer waited for Sir Mick to accompany him and would often visit on his own account. Win found Luke amusing and was not surprised that Brigette had set her eyes on him.

While his social life gradually improved, Win still felt uncomfortable whenever he thought of Bright. Since their angry exchange a few days earlier, he had not spoken to him, although he often caught sight of the young lord entering and leaving the house. But Win considered it prudent to stay out of his way as much as possible. It was evident that they will never enjoy some degree of cordiality, and something deep inside of him derived a good deal of satisfaction from this knowledge. He didn't want to be taken in by his excess charm, as he had witnessed happened to so many young people. Win suspected that it was probably easy for him to succumb if he allowed himself to forget the prejudice against him, but that was something he was determined not to do.

"Do look, Win," the marchioness was saying, indicating with her lace fan to the opposite side of the theater. "That is your friend, the Duke Consort Gun, and of course, Bright's cousin, Duke Geofferie Lucius Vanderveer."

Win did gaze and saw a lean and handsome man with small eyes and an affable manner. Off, as far as Win could remember, was known for his rather gregarious character. He was more friendly and approachable compared to the Marquis of Vanderveer, and Win recalled when they were younger, that Off did try to befriend him but didn't wish to suffer his waspish tongue. Looking at him now, he seemed attentive to Gun and obedient, to say the least, it made Win smile at their unusual display of affection.

"They are the most celebrated couple in beau monde," even Davika acknowledged this.

Win agreed to this. "The duke has always been loyal to Gun."

"Truthfully. My own marriage even when it was frowned upon in some quarters had been sublimely happy."

Win drew his gaze away from the famous couple and looked at his guardian. "It warms my heart to hear you say that, true love such as yours and the duke and duke consort are hard to find, and some of them are not so happy."