Elissa, however, wanted to hear more about his past. When she finally got the opportunity to broach that subject, he talked of the triumph of seeing his first play performed and well received. “I confess that I had not known such pleasure and fulfillment in my whole life,” Richard finished, glancing at her with a look that both sparkled and smoldered. “I have since, once or twice.” Elissa blushed hotly and tried very hard to subdue an embarrassed grin. “I suppose it was a great relief.” “Great relief? I should say so, for I knew that I wouldn’t have to take to begging in the streets.” “I cannot imagine you ever begging for anything.” “You should have stayed a soldier,” Will said, his tone implying that Richard had somehow allowed this distinctly better opportunity to slip his mind. “That was not as enjoyable as the theater, and I had some battles there, you know.” Will frowned skeptically. “Sham battles.” “You say that only because you’ve never seen two actresses who want the same role.
