Imperial Opera House

[Caroline Berry]

Place: London, England

Christine stood in her dressing room, her corset being tied up by the costume people and at the same time, someone was taming her curly hair. She did her warm up for her vocals.

[feathertail]

Tom's jet black Bentley drew up silently next to the Opera House and his valet smoothly opened the Jaguar chief's door. Tom dismounted and straightened his suit jacket and tie, brushing down his trousers. He waited patiently, leaning slightly on the car door.

[Caroline Berry]

The two managers practically ran down to meet Tom. "Mr. Whittaker, thank you for coming. Please, follow us and we will lead you to your box." said one of the two men. The other grabbed a program and handed it to Tom, the title reading Don Juan.

When Christine was ready, she made her way to the side of the stage and watches as the other actors prepare to go on.

[feathertail]

Tom nodded briskly as he was lead inside, accepting the programme with another sharp nod, flicking through and skim reading the summary.

[Caroline Berry]

The managers lead him to the box. "If there is anything you need, just let this young man right here know." said one of them.

Christine noticed the managers speaking with a man and curiosity grew inside her. "Who is that man?" she asked one of the other girls, who was playing Donna Anna. The girl replied that she didn't know. The maestro started the music and the opera began.

[feathertail]

Tom nodded sharply straightening his suit again as he sat down, leaning forwards slightly to watch.

[Caroline Berry]

As the opera continued on, whenever Christine was off stage, she pondered over who the man was. As it came to an end, Christine went out with the other cast to bow. Then the curtain dropped and the two managers rushed over to Tom.

"We would love if you came to personally meet the cast." one said.

[feathertail]

Tom stood, giving a smart round of applause to the cast before turning to nod. "That would be delightful."

[Caroline Berry]

The managers lead the way to back stage, introducing him to the different cast members. Then they stopped at Christine's dressing room door and knocked.

Christine opened the door and stood before the trio of men. "Bonjour gestionnaires, comment êtes-vous?" she said fluently.

"English, please, Christine. This is Thomas Whittaker. Mr. Whittaker, this is Christine Romo." one of the managers said. Christine smile at Tom.

"Good evening Mr. Whittaker." she said in English but her accent was strong.

[feathertail]

"Bonjour, mademoiselle Romo." Tom smiled, holding out his hand for her to shake as he replied in perfectly accented fluent French.

[Caroline Berry]

Christine's face lit up as Tom spoke in French. "How lovely! Merveilleux Monsieur Whittaker." she praised him as she shook his hand. "How did you enjoy the show?"

[feathertail]

"It was delightful." Tom nodded.

[Caroline Berry]

"Magnifique! We all worked very hard. And we almost weren't able to have our opening night." Christine said. The managers sent her a warning look.

[feathertail]

"Oh?" Tom asked, intrigued, hands clasping together behind his back.

[Caroline Berry]

"The man who was castes as Don Juan quit the week before and his understudy was no where to be found." Christine said

"Yes yes, very tragic. Thank you Christine, but Mr. Whittaker has more important things to attend to." one of the managers said.

[feathertail]

"No, no, it's fine." Tom shook his head, leaning closer. "So, you found him?"

[Caroline Berry]

"Eventually. It took quite a while. The managers almost had to cast a woman!" Christine said with a laugh.

[feathertail]

Tom's eyebrows raised, though he sort of really didn't see why that would have been a problem.

[Caroline Berry]

"Christine. That's enough." one manager hissed.

"Apparently it's already for a man to dress in women's clothes but it's wrong for a woman to play Don Juan." Christine said.

[feathertail]

"No, no, really, it's fine. I am of the same opinions." Tom shushed, listening carefully and nodding at what Christine said.

[Caroline Berry]

Christine blushed. She could feel the glares of the managers on her. There was only one thing she could think to do. "Ça vous dérange si je parle en français?" she asked Tom.

[feathertail]

"Non, non, je ne dérange pas," Tom shook his head.

[Caroline Berry]

"Merci. Les gestionnaires ne se rendent pas compte quand je parle de ce qui se passe derrière le rideau. Personnellement, je pense qu'il n'y a pas de secret, mais ils aiment à garder les apparences." Christine said softly.

[feathertail]

Tom nodded instantly after she has finished, having understood every word.

[Caroline Berry]

Christine smiled at Tom. She handed him a card. "Please, if there is anything I can do for you, let me know." she said, her accent thick.

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