Too soon, the orchestra played the final strains of the song, and Erik was obliged to lead her back into the crowd to light applause. He realized he was monopolizing her time, when she should be greeting her admirers and accepting the accolades she had earned on the stage. This, too, was part of carrying a leading role. He would not have her shirk it.
With a bow over her hand, he released her. "Go now," he said. "Your public awaits."
Erik despised the distance he put between them as he walked away. But there was little more to do. Already, the night had grown wearisome. He found himself wishing it were over. He found himself wishing them home at last.