Page 28 of The Gilded Heiress

He was like an itch under my skin that I couldn’t scratch.

Pull yourself together, Josie.

As I shoved a bite of bread into my mouth, my gaze locked with Ambrose’s—and he was watching me with a thoughtful expression

I didn’t much care for. The edges of his lips hitched slightly. “I’ve decided to let you and Leo have the apartment,” he said.

“There’s a friend I can stay with for a few weeks.”

I paused midchew. “That isn’t necessary. This is your place. We can find somewhere else to go.”

“Absolutely not. I won’t hear of it. Besides”—he gave me a wink—“this friend is of the female variety. It gives me a good

excuse to spend time with her.”

“Oh, I see.” I supposed that made sense. But after the kiss at the opera, was it wise for Leo and me to be alone here?

Swallowing, I cast a quick glance at the bedroom door. My toes curled inside my leather boots.

Ambrose rose off the sofa, stretching his long arms. “Don’t worry, Josie. I’ll be gone by the time you and Leo return from

your errand.”

Precisely what I was worried about.

Leo

“Miss Smith! Finally, you’re here!”

Melvin’s booming voice greeted us as Josie and I entered the Herald Square Theatre. The interior was everything one would

expect from a Broadway house. Rows and rows of seats, a stage, and gold fixtures in abundance. The current production, The Heart of Maryland , starred the legendary Mrs. Leslie Carter and Maurice Barrymore. I had no idea why Melvin had us brought here this morning,

but I trailed Josie down the aisle toward Melvin and another gentleman.

Josie shook Melvin’s hand. “Good morning, Mr. Birdman. I apologize for taking so long.”

“I understand. Have a wife at home myself. I know you ladies prefer to take your time in the mornings.”

“Actually,” Josie said with a tilt of her head in my direction, “it was Mr. Hardy who delayed us today.”

I nearly rolled my eyes. Patience wasn’t Josie’s strong suit. “Mr. Birdman.” I stuck out my hand. “My apologies.”

“Don’t worry, young man. Save your apologies for your sweetheart and your priest. May I introduce Mr. David Belasco?” He gestured

toward the man at his side. “David, this is Miss Smith and her manager, Mr. Hardy.”

In a somber dark suit, Belasco had unruly hair atop his head and serious eyes. “A pleasure to meet you both,” he said flatly.

“Mr. Belasco is the writer, producer, and director of the play being staged here.”

No doubt the surprise on my face matched the stunned expression on Josie’s. “It’s an honor, sir,” I said.

Belasco nodded once to acknowledge the compliment. “Why are we here, Melvin?”

“I wanted for you to meet my newest acquisition. Miss Smith is a talented young actress and singer.”

“And?” Belasco asked, his expression nonplussed.

“Shall we sit?” Melvin gestured to the theater seats. “Then we may be more comfortable.”

Belasco remained standing, while Birdman and I took seats on either side of Josie. Belasco waved his hand impatiently. “Get

on with it, Melvin.”

Birdman propped his elbows on the armrests and steepled his fingers. “I’ve heard rumors Mrs. Carter may depart this production.

You are undoubtedly exploring other actresses to replace her and I would like you to consider Miss Smith.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Belasco held up his palms. “No offense, Miss Smith, but this is a leading Broadway role. Leslie is one of the biggest stars in the country, perhaps the world. You cannot possibly think to suggest an ingenue in here to replace her, Melvin. The show would close in days.”

“You’re wrong,” Melvin said. “You need someone who is bold. Fearless. A woman with the gravitas to swing in a bell tower thirty-five

feet off the stage while wearing a tremendous wig. Miss Smith is precisely that woman.”

“You are aware that we must sell tickets, enough to fill this place eight shows a week. I don’t need bold and fearless. I

need a name.” Belasco smiled tightly at Josie. “Again, no offense intended.”

“Once you hear her sing, you’ll see precisely why I am so keen on her for Mrs. Carter’s replacement.”

“The part has no singing,” Belasco said. “And you’re wasting my time.”

I agreed with Belasco. This was a waste of time and demeaning to Josie.

Before I could put an end to this meeting, Josie spoke up. “Would anyone care to hear what I think?”

Melvin grinned widely. “Of course, Miss Smith. Pray tell us what you think.”

“I would like to sing,” she said. Belasco rolled his eyes, but Josie continued on, undeterred. “Not for the role. I agree

with Mr. Belasco; I’m not the best actress to replace Mrs. Carter. However, I would like to sing one song on a real Broadway

stage. Who knows when I may ever have the opportunity again?”

Belasco appeared taken aback, his expression awash in surprise. “A respectable desire, as it’s a lovely theater and the acoustics

are perfect. Unfortunately, I cannot offer an accompanist as all the musicians arrive much later in the day.”

“I can play.” Melvin stood up. “It’s been a few years, but I still remember the white keys from the black keys. Shall we,

Miss Smith?” He offered his arm to Josie.

Carefully, he led her up onto the stage and two stagehands rolled a piano out at Belasco’s request. Belasco dropped into the seat next to me, and we watched Josie and Melvin discuss which song to perform.

The producer’s leg began to bounce impatiently.

Worried he might leave, I called out, “Do the first one you sang for Lotta!”

Josie nodded and whispered to Melvin, who took his place at the piano. At Melvin’s direction, Josie ran through a series of

scales to warm up her voice, something I hadn’t heard her do before. It made sense, however. Her voice was a tool, one that

must be cared for and maintained.

Once she was ready, she nodded at Melvin. The producer began playing and when the first note left Josie’s mouth, Belasco’s

leg stilled. As she started singing, she had his full attention and I could barely keep from grinning. The sound bounced off

the walls and the floor, the theater enhancing the volume until we were surrounded, drowning in this lively and gorgeous performance.

Enthralled, I couldn’t look away. Her voice sank deep in my chest and I felt the music, like she was touching my soul. I couldn’t describe it, but Josie had the power to make one forget everything else

except the notes coming out of her mouth. Fucking hell, she was good.

I’m obsessed with her.

“She’s very good,” Belasco murmured, echoing my thoughts.

“I know.” I paused, then asked, “Are you reconsidering your rejection of her for Mrs. Carter’s replacement? You should. Josie

is going to be famous one day.” Belasco grunted, so I pressed. “You can say you discovered her. They’ll give you the credit,

as they do with the other actors you’ve helped to shine. They’ll speak of your brilliance, your acumen. It will only cement

your status as a legend of Broadway.”

The hint of a smile emerged on Belasco’s face and he shook his head. “You’re clever and I respect the attempt. But I’m a playwright at heart, not a song and dance man. Nevertheless, she is talented. I think you’ll have no trouble whatsoever in finding her a lead role.”

I hoped so. Josie deserved it.

The song finished and Belasco quickly bade us all goodbye. I could see Josie’s disappointment as the famous writer/director

left the theater, so I hurried to reassure her. “He was impressed.”

“Really?” She perked up a bit. “What did he say?”

“That you were very good and will easily land a leading role somewhere.”

“Thank goodness,” she breathed and put a hand on her stomach as if to settle it. “He was like a brick wall. I couldn’t tell

what he was thinking.”

Strangely pleased, Melvin checked his pocket watch for the time. “Incidentally, we never cared if Belasco liked you or not.”

“We didn’t?” Josie blinked. “Why not?”

Today’s purpose suddenly clicked into place in my head. Good god. It was so obvious.

Melvin was a swindler after my own heart.

Chuckling, I explained it to Josie, “Mr. Birdman knew you’d never be granted the part, but word will get around that you’ve

auditioned. Everyone will start wondering about you, wondering why Belasco considered you for such a prestigious role.”

“Precisely,” Melvin said as he tucked his pocket watch into his vest pocket. “This is part of building up your name, dear

girl. All Broadway is able to talk about these days is who will replace Mrs. Carter. Getting you in the soup was important,

and a nice bonus is earning Belasco’s respect. He’s well regarded around town and his opinion carries considerable weight.”

Josie bit her lip. “I don’t understand this city at all.”

Melvin took her arm and began leading her up the aisle toward the exit. “That’s perfectly all right because I understand it.

And I’m going to help you succeed here.”

I shoved my hands into my pockets and followed them, barely able to conceal a grin. Josie might not understand how to play games such as this, but I did. I’ve been running schemes since I was a boy, using my wits to earn money. What Melvin did wasn’t much different... and it was entirely legal.

I had to respect it.

Maybe in a different life I could’ve tried a new vocation, one like Melvin’s. But now I was committed to this Pendelton scheme

and there was no backing out of it. I would deal with the repercussions down the road, even if it meant disappearing.

Even if it meant Josie hated me.

A heavy weight settled in my stomach. Undoubtedly she would hate me, but she would end up an heiress or famous as a near heiress.

Then she could use that notoriety to pack theaters from Broadway to Birmingham. In both cases she would be wildly wealthy.

So why wouldn’t that weight leave my stomach?

Lies are nothing to be proud of, Leo.

She wanted honesty and trust between us as we grew closer, and it was increasingly hard to hide my true intentions. For half

a second this morning, as I stared into her green eyes, I’d considered coming clean. Lying came easy to me—except to Josie,

apparently. When it came to her, my conscience had decided to make an inopportune appearance.

I had to ignore it and remain strong. Josie would never agree to trick the Pendelton family, and if she learned of what I

was doing, she’d never speak to me again. I’d go back to bunco on the Boston streets, the small schemes and evading O’Toole.

Keeping the family afloat by the thinnest of margins.

No, I had to see this through, even if it ate me up inside.

Josie stopped on the walk under the marquee. “Thank you for everything, Mr. Birdman.”

After giving her a list of things to accomplish today, Melvin took Josie’s gloved hand and kissed it. “Let the driver help

you into your carriage. I must speak with Leo for a moment.”

Josie’s gaze flicked between me and Melvin, then she nodded. “See you soon, Mr. Birdman.”

When she was in the carriage, Melvin faced me and tilted his head toward the street. “Walk with me a bit, Hardy.”

I kept my face impassive as we started up the walk. It was obvious that whatever Melvin wished to say was not good news, and

in situations such as this, it was generally better to remain quiet and let it play out.

“She did well last night,” Melvin eventually said. “You, too, from what I understand.”

“Thank you.”

Sighing, he stopped and slipped his hands into his trouser pockets. “Leo, I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m not fond

of surprises. Generally, I find it’s best to know who I’m working with.” He paused and stared at me. “I did some digging with

a friend in Boston.”

Shit. Though my muscles went on alert, I forced myself to relax and appear unbothered. “Oh?”

He waited for me to say more, his sharp eyes assessing my face. I stood five or six inches taller than Melvin, but right now

it felt like he towered over me. I tried not to squirm. Confidence, Leo.

Melvin continued. “You have quite a reputation with the law.”

With no idea how much he’d learned about me, I adopted a sheepish smile and leaned in like we shared a secret. “I was a bit

of a rascal in my younger days.”

“From what I understand, it wasn’t only in your youth.”

Damn those chatty roundsmen. “Is a man not allowed to change?”

“Yes, of course. But I get nervous when I hear that a small-time confidence man has appeared on my doorstep, acting as a manager

for the very first time. Are you truly trying to help her—or just help yourself?”

“You heard her sing. She’s a true talent.”

An evasion—and we both knew it. Melvin pressed me, saying, “I want your word that you have only her best interests at heart.”

I held his gaze steady and gathered up every bit of my experience as a practiced liar. “I give you my word that I have Josie’s

best interests at heart.”

He watched me carefully, then nodded once. “Good. See that it stays that way.” He offered his hand and I shook it. Then he

added, “I gave her a list of tasks for the day. See they’re all completed, will you? That girl is going to be a star before

we know it.”

I promised him we’d see to the errands, then headed to the carriage.

I hadn’t lied. I did have Josie’s best interests at heart.

But I also had my best interests at heart, as well as my mother’s and sisters’ interests. And those were the ones that mattered most.