January 1865
Annabel sat huddled over at her dressing table with the envelope in her hand.
She was trembling.
Could this be possible?
Did the Manager really see potential in her?
How did he know her voice?
She couldn't recall ever encountering him or being in his presence.
He certainly must have heard her somewhere.
Annabel started opening the envelope with caution as if it were made of glass.
She pulled out the paper.
Dear Miss Fiori
It has come to my attention that you might have the potential to be the Opera Populair's Prima Donna.
That is if you can uphold my possible decision. Therefore I invite you to attend the audition in the Center stage this evening at precisely 7 o'clock. I will be present in Box 5. You will have the answer immediately regarding your position.
Sincerely,
The Manager.
Annabel spread the letter on the dressing table. This was such a strange phenomenon, but maybe God was doing more than just returning her passion. Maybe He wanted her to excel further.
Her stomach fluttered at the possibility. This would be exactly what her father desired, to become what he taught her to be for so long.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Annabel closed her eyes and envisioned herself singing as Margarita in Faust, another of this man's genius work.
The Mysterious Da Vinci, the prodigy in the musical arts. What honor would that be.
A sudden thought entered her mind.
If she accepted the Manager's invitation, there might be the possibility to finally know who he is.
Annabel thought about the situation once more and came to her conclusion.
She accepted the Manager's offer.
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Annabel waited anxiously for the minutes to pass. It was still another five minutes before it would officially be 7 o'clock. She stood center stage, with the presence of the heavy velvet curtains on either side, not daring to make the slightest move as if afraid it would disturb the Manager.
Jules, the co-manager escorted and positioned her to her place.
He was quiet and didn't speak a word to her until he closed his pocket watch indicating it was time.
"Best of luck Mademoiselle, he will indicate to you if he's ready to hear you sing." He simply explained. He then turned around to leave her alone facing the vast empty collection of seats.
Annabel's heart started to pound faster. The realization of the situation made her wonder if this was a wise choice.
What if she made him regret sending her the letter?
"Welcome Mademoiselle, I am delighted that you accepted my invitation." Annabel startled a bit when the voice suddenly appeared. I took a few seconds to regain herself before answering.
"Oh no thank you for considering me Messieur. It is only a honor for me to sing for you." Annabel said staring up at Box 5, her eyes searching for a face, a figure but only saw darkness.
Disappointment gathered in her chest.
"Well astound me, I want to hear every part of your voice. Sing for me Margarita in the first scene." The manager demanded.
There was no turning back now.
Annabel closed her eyes and started the sweet haunting melody's introduction. Her voice was suffering at first because of her anxiousness but as she sang through the song she became the more self-assured.
She delighted herself in the song and just when she was about to reach Margarita's falsetto, something completely unexpected happened. The manager started to sing with her.
They both reached the falsetto perfectly.
Annabel stopped abruptly, that voice, she knew that voice!
"Miss Fiori...you were extraordinary! You will be the Opera Populair's Prima Donna. The role of Margarita belongs to you." She could hear the urgency in his voice, the excitement.
Before she could stop herself she replied, "It will be an honor, Sir."