The show comes to an end

"Fix this right now!" Eva turned toward Corwin in anger, but tripped on all the clothes around her ankles. She stumbled into him, bowling him over and his thin white dress shirt was barely a barrier between her breasts pressing against his chest as she fell on top of him. Horrified, Eva tried to get back on her feet, but found her long black hair somehow tangled around the top button of his shirt. Frantically she tried to free herself, all the while intensely aware of his face a mere inch from hers. So close she could feel his breath on her cheek. So close she could easily lean forward and kiss him.

Finally free, Eva sprang to her feet, shaking her head to clear it. This was the man who was ruining her life and reputation - why was she suddenly having thoughts about kissing him? She glared out at the crowd, her bare breasts rising and falling with each ragged breath. Seemingly unaware of her rage, the crowd gave a loud round of applause as Corwin rose to his feet beside her.

"That was fantastic," A man stepped up to shake Corwin's hand. Eva recognized him as John Northfork, owner of the estate, and presumably the man who hired the magician. "And your assistant is amazing!" he exclaimed, gesturing to Eva.

"I'm no magician's assistant!" Eva retorted angrily. "I am Eva Cunningham - "

"I heard your spiel during the performance," John stated, waving his hand dismissively. "You may have a remarkable resemblance to Eva Cunningham, but you are no lady."

"WHAT?" Eva shouted.

"No proper lady would be caught dead walking around naked," John stated simply.

"It's not like I want to -"

"Yes, yes, I know you are a great performer. But the show's over; you don't have to keep acting," John said. "I was especially impressed when you slapped my esteemed guest here." John gestured to the magician. "If that wasn't part of the act, I would have to call my guards and haul your bare ass off to jail." John smiled at Eva, daring her to continue denying it. He was obviously craftier than he looked. If Eva denied being a performer, she would be sent to jail for ****, and her status may not fully protect her there. If she said she was a performer, it would be admitting she was a mere commoner, and she would lose the protection her nobility offered her. The aristocrats would have no qualms about hiring her for "extra services" after the show.