strict orders to his mother that a maid and a governess be in place by day’s end. He had conceded and had allowed his mother to take care of the cooking, but had secretly decided to hire a cook after opening night. His mother had worked hard all of her life, and he wanted her to relax and enjoy her remaining years.
Cameron watched the rehearsal with rapt attention, scribbling notes regarding minor changes in the music. All in all, he was pleased with his efforts, although his heart thumped nervously when Newland approached him at the end of the dry run.
“So, Price,” Newland said, “how do you think it went?”
“I’m pleased, although I’m going to make a few changes in the melody during the second act.”
“I think it suits well. I agree with your assessment of the changes in the second act, and I’d also like you to perk it up a bit during my final monologue. It’s supposed to be a bit more light and airy, I think.”
Cam wrote some quick notes. “I’ll get right on that. I’d like to have these changes made by the morrow, and I’m going to work late tonight to finish the final score for the strings.”
“Not tonight, Price. I’m sorry I didn’t mention this earlier, but I require your attendance at a gala at my home this evening. Several wealthy patrons will be there, and I would like for them to meet you.”
Cameron’s stomach flopped. So much work… He had no time for a party. “I would really like to complete my work. It’s only a week until opening night, and the sooner I have the score finalized, the sooner we can practice the whole production.”
“You’re nearly done now, and I congratulate you on an excellent job. Clearly I made the right decision to hire you.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you’re pleased. If I could just finish—”
“I need you tonight, Price. There are several bigwigs that I’m still courting for contributions. Having another good-looking young man there will be…helpful.”
“I thought you made it clear that I wouldn’t be expected to offer services of that nature.”
“Yes, I did. But I also made it clear that I would require your presence at my soirees.”
Cameron sighed. “Yes, I suppose you did.”
“You understand then. Go home. Bathe and change. I’ll see you at my townhome at nine sharp.”
After apologizing to his mother for skipping out for the evening, Cameron nervously walked the three blocks to Zachary Newland’s large terrace home, rehearsing in his mind what he would say when he was inevitably asked where he received his music education. Newland didn’t seem concerned about the issue. At least he hadn’t mentioned it. It unnerved Cameron, however.
He had asked his mother to trim his hair before he left. His once unfashionably long locks now fell in gleaming black layers just touching his shoulders. He dressed in formal evening attire and looked the part of accomplished theatre composer. If only he could pull it off. If he didn’t impress the theatre’s patrons, he could probably kiss his job goodbye.
Newland’s butler greeted Cameron and announced him, and Evelyn Newland rushed toward him, taking his arm.
“Mr. Price,” she said enthusiastically, “Zach and I are so glad you could make it this evening. I do hope we’re not keeping you from your work. Zach says you are quite dedicated.”
“Not at all, Miss Newland. I am happy to be here.”
“Evie, please,” she said. “That’s what everyone calls me.”
“Of course…Evie.”
“Do come with me. There are so many people who are dying to meet you.”
There were? Evie led him into the main parlor where guests were gathered together drinking aperitifs and grazing from trays passed around by servants. “Pamela, darling!” Evie led Cameron to an attractive redhead. “This is the man I’ve been telling you about. Zach’s new composer, Cameron Price. Mr. Price, my dearest friend in the world, Miss Pamela Rhodes.”
Cameron bowed politely, taking Pamela’s hand. “It’s a pleasure,” he said.
“Oh my,” Pamela said, batting her eyes. “You were right, Evie. He is something.”
“I can pick them, can’t I?” Evie said.
Cameron’s cravat tightened around his neck like a noose. These two women were sizing him up like a side of beef. He was relieved when Zach Newland came by a few seconds later.
“Price,” he said. “Come with me. There are some folks I’d like you to meet.”
Thank God. Cameron followed Newland to a corner of the room where several men and women were gathered. “Here he is, the man of the hour,” Newland said to