She watched Milan and Evgeny disappear for their date with a horrible twist of her stomach. However their talk went, it wasn’t likely to end well. Perhaps Evgeny would even be able to persuade Milan to change his mind, to go back to London, to give her up.
“You look a bit green, my love. Are you feeling all right?”
Lydia came to, shaking her head at a solicitous Mary-Ann.
“Sorry, I was miles away. Yes, yes, I’m fine. Just…hungry, I expect.”
“Come and have some lunch with me then. There’s a lovely place up near Old Town Square—Milan recommended it, and he should know.”
Lydia caught her breath. If Milan had recommended the place, then it was probably where he was taking Evgeny. She could keep an eye on them, make sure things didn’t get out of hand. And her presence might act as a reminder to Milan of how the conversation was supposed to go.
She smiled at Mary-Ann. “Sounds lovely. So you and Milan are getting on okay these days, then?”
Mary-Ann began walking purposefully towards the door.
“Oddly, yes. He seems to have found a good mood from somewhere. And there’s been none of that nonsense with him trying to get the strings to play out of tune or come in at the wrong moment since Budapest.”
“No, I’ve noticed that too.”
“It’s strange, because I thought this rehearsal was going to be the most serious test yet. Now we’re in Prague, playing music by Czech composers in his native city, I thought he would go bananas and bring out the big guns. But…nada. I don’t understand it, but I’m not going to question it. Long may it continue.”
Outside, the narrow streets of the Old Town were busy as tourists looked for likely spots to find their lunch. As they crossed Old Town Square, Lydia caught sight of Milan and Evgeny, standing under the awning of a restaurant, reading a menu together.
Mary-Ann chuckled. “Speak of the devil. And he’s obviously made it up with Evgeny—aww, how sweet. I must admit, they make a stunning couple.”
Lydia’s insides twisted again, this time with a pang of ugly jealousy.
Mary-Ann, oblivious, continued her speculations. “Perhaps that’s what’s behind the good mood. He’s in love. Oh, perhaps they’ll invite us to make up a foursome.”
“I hope not,” said Lydia unthinkingly.
“Really?” Mary-Ann stopped and gave her a quizzical look. “I thought you liked him.”
“Oh, yes, I do, but him and Evgeny—it’s all about the drama. I can’t be bothered.”
Mary-Ann chuckled. “I can imagine.”
They had arrived at the restaurant. Milan and Evgeny were tucked away in a corner and didn’t notice them. Lydia opted for a table on the opposite side of the room, where they wouldn’t be seen.
“Anyway,” said Mary-Ann briskly, “enough about Milan. I don’t want to sit with him either. I want to sit with you. What about you? Are you happy with the orchestra? How’s the tour been for you?”
“Wonderful,” said Lydia, meaning it. “It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Hard work, but what a payback when you hear the audience cheering and jumping to their feet at the end! There’s nothing like it.”
“No, there isn’t, is there? And it’s addictive too—once you’ve experienced it, you can’t go back. So you think you’ll stick with us?”
Lydia’s face fell. She couldn’t tell Mary-Ann the truth.
“Oh, I should think so,” she said, studying the menu hard.
“I hope you do,” said Mary-Ann urgently, lowering her voice. “I don’t think I’d still be here if it wasn’t for you, Lydia.”
Lydia put down her menu and stared.
“Really?”
“Really.”
She reached out and took Lydia’s hand.