What lovers sometimes do in Handel operas (5)
I believe the answer is:
elope
'what lovers sometimes do' is the definition.
(I know that elope is a action)
'in handel operas' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ELOPE' is hidden within 'handel operas'.
(Other definitions for elope that I've seen before include "do a moonlight flit" , "Abscond for amorous purposes" , "Run away to wed" , "Run away to get married" , "Run away with lover" .)