Page 55 of The Gilded Heiress

Herald Square Theater, New York City

Josie

The crowd was still cheering.

“I suppose we owe them another curtain call,” our director and lead actor, Frank Smithson, called out. “Everyone, places!”

The cast retook our usual spots and the curtain rose once more. The audience clapped louder, a few whistles rising above the

hoots and shouts. I clasped hands with the performers on either side of me and we all bowed as one. As we straightened, I

looked out at the faces in the seats and marveled at my life.

I was on a Broadway stage with a supporting part in a new musical. Me, Josie Smith, née Josie Pendelton. Now Mrs. Leo Hardy.

The musical, The Girl from Paris , had opened only last week to rave reviews. I’d landed a supporting role as Ruth, the servant to one of the main characters,

with two musical numbers in the second act. It was more than I’d ever dreamed possible. Night after night, I was singing on

a stage in front of New York audiences.

Not only that, but I’d found my parents and met the most amazing man.

I was the luckiest woman alive.

When the curtain fell for the second time, Mr. Smithson turned to me. “Excellent performance tonight,” he said in his Irish

accent. “I love the slight change you made to the second bridge in our duet.”

Pleased, I couldn’t help but grin as we started across the stage together. “Thank you. I think it added a little bit of fun.”

“Indeed, it did. You are quite talented. It’s a pleasure to sing with you for eight shows a week.”

“I could say the same, Mr. Smithson. I’m so grateful you chose me for the role.”

“Belasco told me I was a fool if I didn’t hire you. And you’ve proved him right time and time again.”

I owed Melvin another bottle of his favorite whiskey for that meeting earlier in the year with David Belasco. “It’s been a

wonderful experience.”

“I’m gratified to hear you say as much. Excuse me, I need to speak with our stage manager. Good night, Mrs. Hardy.”

I bid him good night then continued into the wings. Before I could blink, a pair of hands grabbed me and pulled me into the

darkness.

Instantly, I relaxed. I knew these hands.

“Sweetheart, you were astounding,” my husband said as he held on to my waist. “Dazzling. Breathtaking. The most wonderful

performer on the stage.”

Even though I longed to remove my costume and cosmetics, I wrapped my arms around his neck and moved closer. “As my manager

and husband, you are biased. However, I will accept your praise graciously.”

“Christ, you’re beautiful out there. I’m so damn proud of you.” Leo nuzzled my throat, giving my skin a nip with his teeth.

“You improve every night. It’s both perplexing and impressive.”

“Thank you, husband.”

He groaned softly as his mouth found the edge of my ear. “Indeed, I am your very fortunate husband. All those men in the audience

watching you, salivating over you. Yet you’re mine.”

I clutched him and sank my nails into the back of his head. “There’s only one man I want salivating over me.”

“Oh, do not worry. He was most definitely salivating.” Leo pressed his hips to mine, and even through my costume I could feel his thickness.

Then he bent and kissed me, not concerned apparently about my lip paint.

This was not gentle or sweet; my husband was desperate and greedy, kissing me as if we hadn’t seen each other in months.

My bones were jelly by the time he broke off, our breath ragged. He rested his forehead to mine. “I want to fuck you in your

dressing room.”

“ Leo ,” I admonished half-heartedly. “We were almost caught the last time.”

“I don’t care. I can’t wait until we’re home. I need you now .”

Considering I shared a dressing room with another performer, this was too risky. “You’ll need to wait, tomcat. Besides, Melvin

is here tonight.”

“Shit. I forgot.” He took a step back and adjusted himself in his trousers. “I need a moment.”

I patted his chest. “Collect yourself, Mr. Hardy. I’ll see to Melvin until you’re presentable.”

He pulled me back for another deep kiss, complete with tongue, that was far too brief. Then he let me go. “Thank you, Mrs.

Hardy.”

Before we got ourselves into trouble, I slipped out from behind the alcove and walked backstage. It was tight quarters, many

performers and crew members crammed into tiny rooms, but I didn’t mind. We were like a big family and I loved it.

Soon I entered my dressing room. Melvin was there, along with Annie, the actress with whom I shared the room. They were chatting

together, but both looked over at me as I pushed through the door. Then they started laughing.

“What is it?” I asked, looking down at my costume. Had it torn?

“You have lip stain,” Annie said, motioning all around her mouth. “Everywhere.”

“Oh, no.” I hurried to my mirror to inspect the damage. Indeed, there was a large red ring around my mouth. I reached for a cloth to wipe it off.

“Ah, young love. I see you’ve found your husband,” Melvin said, still chuckling. Then he pushed off the wall. “I’m only staying

long enough to give you the good news.”

I paused in opening a jar of cream. “Are we not having supper together?”

“I’m afraid I can’t. I have an appointment.”

“A woman or a client?” I asked over my shoulder with a teasing smile.

“I’ll never tell. Now, would you like to hear the good news or not?”

“Of course. Tell me.”

“The show’s been extended and they’d like you to stay on. With an increase in your wages, of course.”

Turning sideways in my chair, I faced him. “That is fantastic! For how long?”

“Next summer, at least. Congratulations, Josie. You’ve earned it.”

“Thank you, Mr. Birdman. I appreciate all you’ve done for me.”

Before Melvin could respond, Annie chimed in. “I haven’t heard anything about an extension. I wonder if they’re keeping me.”

Melvin shrugged. “You need a better agent, miss.” Then he put his derby on his head. “Now I’ll see myself out. Good night,

ladies.”

“Good night, Melvin.”

When I left the dressing room moments later, I found Leo talking animatedly with several members of the backstage crew. They

were laughing at something my husband was saying, his charm infectious. He did this everywhere we went, no matter the situation.

I didn’t mind—I couldn’t resist him, either.

He looked over when I shut the dressing room door and a grin broke out on his face. “Shall we go, Mrs. Hardy?”

“I’m ready, Mr. Hardy.”

“Sorry, gents,” Leo said to the crew. “My beautiful wife needs me.”

We bid everyone good night, then Leo walked me outside. Our carriage waited at the curb, as usual. This was at my father’s

insistence, as he didn’t want me, “scuttling about the city at night.” My parents were still protective of me, which I understood.

Occasionally, this caused a bit of friction between us, but I usually indulged them. Like when Leo and I agreed to live in

the mansion after our wedding. My parents had been positively thrilled, even giving us our own wing for privacy.

“I’m exhausted,” I said as we settled in the carriage. “Will you rub my feet when we are home?”

“Of course, my love.” Leo leaned over and kissed my temple. “Would you mind if we stopped for a drink first?”

“Oh, Leo. Must we? I’m hungry and tired.”

“But I’ll feed you,” he promised. “If you agree, I will rub your feet and your shoulders when we arrive home.”

“One drink?”

“One drink. And food for you.”

“Fine, but I want every part of me rubbed at home. And I do mean every part.”

My husband laughed and kissed my gloved hand. “As I recall, I offered to do as much in your dressing room tonight.”

I closed my eyes, a smile on my face, as we rode uptown. Finally, the carriage began to slow. “Where are we stopping?”

“Sherry’s. I know you love their roast duck.”

I did. Duck was a luxury I’d never been able to afford until now, and one of my indulgences. “You spoil me,” I murmured.

“I try. It’s not easy, though. Your parents are always first in line for that task.”

The wheels stopped and we both descended. Late-night diners dotted the main dining room inside Sherry’s. But instead of a

table, we were led toward the private rooms. Surprised, I looked at Leo. “You reserved a private room?”

“I hope you don’t mind. I thought we might enjoy some time to ourselves.”

Of course I didn’t mind, but the extravagance was unnecessary. The dining room would have suited me fine.

Being rich was certainly strange at times.

“Here we are, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy.” The ma?tre d’h?tel opened the door of the private room. It was dark inside.

I frowned, hesitating, as Leo said, “Thank you.”

“Why is it—”

My words were cut off as the light suddenly switched on. A room full of people were all staring at me, smiling at me. My parents,

Leo’s family. Even Pippa was here.

What on earth?

“Surprise,” Leo said softly in my ear.

I looked over at him. “I don’t understand.”

“I’ll let your parents explain.”

He took my hand and led me forward as everyone rushed toward us. Dazed, I ended up face-to-face with my mother. She wrapped

her arms around me. “Happy birthday, my sweet girl.”

Birthday?

I sucked in a lungful of air. “Is it today?” I whispered.

“It is today,” she answered, hugging me tighter.

My eyes welled with tears and my throat burned as I hugged her back. I’d completely forgotten. Months ago, when I first reunited

with them, we’d discussed my birthday, but I’d been too busy with the show and the wedding to remember. After all, I hadn’t

ever looked forward to one before.

Today was my birthday.

“I thought for sure you remembered this morning,” my father said, kissing my cheek. “Over breakfast, when you inquired about

the date.” Impulsively, I threw myself into his chest. He caught me and embraced me. “Happy birthday, my dear.”

After that it was a blur of well wishes from Leo’s family. His sisters were a fun group and they always made me feel included. We often banded together in teasing Leo, and I enjoyed showing Molly and Hattie around the city.

When the flurry of salutations died down, Pippa was there to embrace me. “Happy birthday. I’m so grateful we’re together to

share it.”

“Me, too.” My parents had taken Pippa in for a short while, helping her get started in the city. Now she was a familiar figure

around our Fifth Avenue home, visiting a few times a week for dinner or tea. She was my sister in every way but blood. “I

love you.”

“I love you, too.”

We grinned at each other, deliriously happy. We’d come a long way from two raggedy girls at the Children’s Asylum. “Did you

plan this?” I asked her.

“Nope. This was your husband’s doing.”

My chest swelled with emotion, an overflowing of affection for my champion, my guiding star. My reformed scoundrel. I knew

why he’d done this for me. On this, the most important day of my year, Leo made certain to surround me with family and friends,

to prove I wasn’t alone any longer. To ensure I knew that I was loved.

“Excuse me,” I told Pippa. “I need to find him.”

She chuckled and patted my shoulder, then I searched the room until I spotted the top of his head near the back. Standing

alone, he leaned against the wall with his hands in his trouser pockets, a soft smile on his face. It wasn’t the practiced

huckster’s smile. This was the real one, the smile he used only for me. The one that reached his eyes.

“Hello, sweetheart,” he said quietly when I closed in on him. “Do you like your surprise?”

“It’s perfect. I would ask how you knew I would love it, but...”

He wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed my cheek. “First rule of being a husband: anticipate your wife’s every need.”

I nestled into his side. “I thought that was the first rule of being a manager.”

“Close. Except I don’t daydream about all the ways I plan to pleasure my clients the instant we’re alone.”

“Lucky me, then.”

Bending, he put his mouth near my ear. “No, lucky us .”