Never before had he heard such music. Nor would he. Bryony was unparalleled, her style as unique as she was. That was what elevated her above all the rest.
When the melody finally faded away, it took the air from his lungs with it.
Silence filled the room.
“Was it all right?” Bryony asked after a long moment.
Frances threw herself at Bryony’s knees. “Marry me!”
Bryony’s shoulders shook with laughter as she pulled Frances to her feet. “I shall consider your request, my lady. In the meantime, I hope you are not offended if I ask you to settle for being my honorary sister instead.”
“Accepted,” Frances said instantly and hopped onto the desk at Bryony’s side. “May I see it? How does it work?”
Bryony immediately allowed her to touch the violin’s intricate wooden curves.
Max finally found his breath.Thiswas why she had invited his sister here tonight. To prove that the Cloven Hoof wouldn’t crumble if another woman stepped inside its doors, yes. But more than that, her extraordinary gift with music was something she wanted to share with both of them. Not just with Max.
To Bryony, Frances was part of the package, too.
Max’s heart beat so fast he feared the women might hear it from across the room.
Two women in lad’s clothing, cooing over an expensive violin in the back of an infamous gaming hell.
When had his life turned so upside-down?
Bryony’s eyes met his. It was impossible to keep a smile from curving his lips.
Shewas the reason. The tinderbox who had burst into his darkness and lit the first spark.
With her, there was more than light. There was music.
She gave him a crooked grin. “Are you wishing you came to the musicale?”
“Yes,” he answered honestly. “Wishing it were possible. I would have loved to share it with you, now that I know what I’m missing.”
“There will be other soirées,” she said, her voice hesitant.
After a moment, he shook his head. “You know as well as I do that I don’t belong there. All my presence could do is cause you scandal.”
“I know.”
To his surprise, the flash of sorrow in her eyes indicated she truly had realized what she was asking. That accepting such an invitation would be a one-time possibility. Never to be repeated.
Her smile wobbled. “But having you there would have been worth it.”
Max was not so sure. If he used up his one chance, there would be no more sneaking away to be together. No more Bryony. He was not ready to give her up just yet.
“Now that your musicale is over, I suppose your nights have returned to a busy schedule of husband-hunting?” he heard himself ask.
Frances’s head jerked up with interest.
“Something like that,” Bryony admitted, as she slid from the desk. “Mother has me in ringlets and pastels nearly every day of the week.”
Each word sliced through his heart. Soon enough, some other man would have the sort of life with her that part of Max wished he were in a position to offer. He might not be a suitor, but he could give her something else. A reminder oftheirconnection. The reason she was here.
He took a step in her direction. “A dreadful week indeed. Are you certain there’s been nothing diverting at all to break up the monotony?”
“Lambley did remind me I have a standing invitation to attend his masquerades. I’ve never been.” She took another step closer until the toes of her boots brushed his. She licked her lips. “I would rather be here at the Cloven Hoof with you.”
