The actor couldn’t wait to do so, turning away slightly to get the best of what little light was available. It was a grave mistake. Preoccupied with his money, he didn’t see the dagger that was swiftly drawn by his companion. With one hand over the actor’s mouth, the assassin sank the blade deep into his victim’s heart, holding him tight until the convulsing body lost all trace of life. After lowering him gently to the ground, the killer retrieved his money then melted into the shadows.

The rage of the assassin had been assuaged.

CHAPTER TEN

While being driven to the theatre, Hannah Granville was at the mercy of mixed emotions. She was on her way to what would be the final performance of an acclaimed production. Transforming herself into Lady Macbeth once more, she’d be able to savour the adoration of a packed audience. It was her lifeblood. Hannah would feel yet again that thrilling surge of power. Set against that pleasure was the nagging fear that something would go drastically wrong. Only two days earlier the area outside the stage door where she was worshipped by her admirers had been the scene of a murder. Paul Skillen, the man she loved, might easily have been killed. Had she left the building earlier, Hannah herself might have been the victim. That thought was still dizzying. No amount of applause could expunge it from her mind.

And there was another source of apprehension. No less a person than the Prince Regent had been entranced by her performance. He’d come into her dressing room and ogled her with disturbing frankness. Hannah had been rocked. How could she prevent his being allowed into the theatre once more? Even Paul could not keep the future king at arm’s length indefinitely. Where would His Royal Highness’s interest in her lead? The possibilities were unnerving.

Arriving at the theatre, she was met by two attendants who escorted her into the building. They conducted her to the dressing room and one of them tapped on the door. It was unlocked by Jenny Pye who gave Hannah a warm smile as she beckoned her inside. Though she’d been involved in final performances many times before, the actress was nevertheless astonished by what she saw. The room had been filled with so many baskets of flowers that it resembled a garden. Almost every surface was covered. On the remaining space was a pile of gifts, stacked high. When her gaze fell on the collection of cards and letters beside it, Hannah quivered.

‘Have you looked at them?’ she asked.

‘No, I haven’t,’ said her dresser.

‘Please do so now.’

‘Is that wise?’

‘It’s what I wish you to do, Jenny.’

‘I’d be upset if I found something that might have a bad effect on your performance tonight.’