Passion at the Opera by Diane Thorne Read Free Book Online

on the left. Assuming she’d found the right spot, she pushed aside the cloth barrier.
    Three red cushioned chairs faced the balcony. And what an incredible view of the theatre she had. She moved around the seats and stood in front of the railing. Most attendees were filling the spots below, only a few sat in the rows above. On the stage to her left, not far from her, she found a cluster of orchestral instruments set up in the centre and a walkway circling the area. The closeness would undoubtedly make for a good show.
    Gwen sat in the middle and tucked her purse in the chair next to her. While she waited for the lights to dim, she checked her cell for messages. Nothing new had arrived from Nikolaus. A touch of sadness washed through her as she wondered if he’d even make it to the event. She’d hoped to spend more time with him.
    To pass the time, she prepared a long email to her daughters. Voices hushed as she finished updating them on her travels. She hit the send button right as darkness descended. Silence filled the auditorium and she hurriedly shoved her cell back into her purse.
    The audience clapped as a man strode onto the stage. He bowed, then turned to the members of the orchestra. After the cheering stopped, the maestro lifted his arms and the music started.
    The tune was loud and bold, filled with various violins, flutes, trumpets and other instruments. The melody stayed lively, softened, then built again. At the heart of the stage, the conductor moved effortlessly as he instructed the musicians. It amazed Gwen how such a large group of talented people could perform so well together.
    Gwen listened intently as the music continued in a dramatic fashion for several minutes. A small break allowed for applause, then the orchestra began another tune. Her attention remained focused on the stage until she caught movement from her side. She flinched, shocked to see the handsome man dressed in a black suit. In an instant, her surprise turned to glee.
    Nikolaus kissed her cheek as he lowered himself into the seat next to her. “Did I miss much?”
    “No, they just started the second song.”
    He gazed at her body, then back at her chest. “That is one stunning dress. Good choice.”
    “Thank you. This generous man I met bought it for me. He’s very kind and I think he has a naughty side.”
    Nikolaus arched an eyebrow. “Really? Do I know this person?”
    She lifted a shoulder. “Possibly.”
    He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “He’s lucky to have you as a friend.”
    She grinned. “I’m the lucky one.”
    He lowered her hand but continued holding it. When he shifted his attention to the stage, Gwen did too. Together, they sat quietly and enjoyed the show.
    After the orchestra played, two couples dressed in elegant evening attire strode from each side of the stage. The female on the left had blonde hair and wore a red dress while the woman on the right had a sparkling white gown and dark locks. The audience clapped until the two couples stopped several feet from apart, yet near the centre. As the cheers faded, the music started and one of the men began singing.
    Gwen watched intently as the male performer sang to the woman at his side. His voice sounded incredibly strong and captivating. The woman in red stood with her arms crossed and a smug grin while the singer moved around her. At the other end, the lady in white chimed in. Although Gwen couldn’t understand the language, she sensed something was wrong and the characters had a connection.
    The vocalized drama continued with the music playing softly in the background. Such emotion poured from the singers. The women and the men sang back and forth to each other as if they were having a conversation. They told a story of anger, sadness, remorse, and love. Or so it seemed by the way they sang, and the flow of the melody.
    Nikolaus bumped her shoulder with his as he moved closer to her. “Incredible, yes?”
    “I love listening to them. They’re