Mister Rachman uses his dagger in a way which has become familiar to the others.
The odd piece of cord seems to glow briefly with an eerie light, something like foxfire.
"This appears to be what is known to sailing men as a Knotted Wind. The legend goes that once it is unknotted, a wind will be created lasting several hours. As to how strong it might be, or in what direction it might blow, that is beyond my ability to determine."
The party makes its way to the Grand Theatre. Miss Davenport appears to require some small amount of assistance from her companions in navigating the streets. They find Miss Carrow and Doctor North waiting for them. Doctor North is pacing back and forth as they arrive. Entrance is purchased and the adventurers make their way to inside.
The stage, as is common, is built in the Italianate manner, with a raked stage surrounded by a proscenium, to create the illusion of depth. The party is seated in the first floor pit; less expensive than the private boxes to the side of the stage, but more costly than the galleries. There is much conversation in all areas. Fans are used by ladies of high station to communicate from the private boxes on one side to the other. The galleries are full of noise and rough talk, a natural effect of the fact that these are used by those of a lower class. Young women, often very pretty in an unadorned way, offer oranges and other treats. It is apparent that some of the male members of the audience believe that the fee for these comestibles allows them the freedom to flirt with these women, and even steal a kiss.
The play begins.
The Belle's Stratagem (clearly an allusion to the well-known play
The Beaux' Stratagem by Mister Farquhar, now close to a century old) deals primarily with a young woman engaged to a young man since childhood. He seems to have no interest in her when they meet again as adults, although she falls in love with him. She engages in an elaborate scheme to win his heart. As in appropriate for a comedy of manners, there are many subplots and a great deal of witty dialogue. The play is a great favorite of the Queen (which, of course, makes it very popular with her subjects.)
During an interval between acts one of the orange girls brings separate notes for Doctor North and Miss Davenport from the private boxes. That for Doctor North comes from a Mister Beddows, inviting he and his companion to his box for a medical consultation after the play has concluded. That addressed to Miss Davenport is more mysterious. It is unsigned. The message is hardly more clear.
One has fallen. There is another. Beware! A friend.
