“I’m sure the dampness didn’t help.”
“No, I’m sure it didn’t. Come sit by the fire and I’ll order us some tea.”
She watched him nod and walk to a settee in front of the fireplace. The upholstery was perfect for this room. Black and white musical theme with notes floating on a sea of white. He stood before the fire for a moment before sitting down.
Tea was served a few minutes later and she passed him a cup. He sipped before setting the cup on a table beside him.
“That’s what I needed,” he said.
“Good,” she replied.
“Are you ready for your performance?”
“Yes. I am very confident about it. I’d like to play it for you later. If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I love to hear you play.”
He was right about that. He was an accomplished musician himself, but he’d never pursued it. Since they’d first met, he had always been available to listen to anything she played. Especially new pieces. It was always good to have someone to critique.
“I’m trying to make some sort of order with all this music,” she said, picking up her cup.
“Composer?”
“Yes. Composer first. Then perhaps years written?”
He nodded. “That would work if you knew when or could find out when it was composed. Otherwise, I’d place it alphabetically, I think.”
She smiled. She couldn’t stop smiling. One of the things she loved about him were his ideas. Even the far-fetched ones alwaysshowed the depth in which he thought things through. He was meticulous.
“What’s so humorous?” he asked.
“Thinking about you meeting the prince. It ought to be interesting.”
He shook his head. “I met him on Wight. He was on holiday.”
Her eyes widened at his statement. “Wait. You’ve already met the Prince of Wales?”
“Yes, that’s what I said.”
“Were his wife and children with him?”
“Not that day, but I assume they were wherever they were staying.”
“Tell me the circumstances. How did you meet him?” she asked.
Shaking his head, he sat back. “We were both riding that day. His horse spooked at something, and he was having difficulty regaining control of the beast. His men weren’t able to get hold of the horse’s bridle. The animal looked as though it were going to bolt, prince or not.”
“What did you do?”
“I was able to grab the bridle to the chagrin of his soldiers and calmed the horse. He thanked me and we went our separate ways. Not a big thing.”
She patted his hand. “Yes, it was. You kept the prince from falling off his horse and onto the ground. That would have been quite an indignity for him.”
“Embarrassing.”
“It doesn’t sound like he’s much of a horseman.”
“He’s not. Nothing extraordinary. He didn’t appear to be one who did for himself. He had people for that. He’s the Prince of Wales, after all,” he replied.
