Morgan rolled his eyes from behind the group. His irritation boiled uncontrollably at Arthur’s glaring attempts at flattery.
He is such a flirt!Morgan thought to himself. I mean, surely, she doesn’t find that charming... does she?”
Morgan walked behind Arthur and nudged him, giving him a stern look. Arthur turned to him in surprise and opened his two hands in confusion as if to ask, ‘what?’
Selina began playing an old song. A slow song. She touched the keys softly as the sounds blended beautifully into one another. It was magical how she made it seem so effortless.
She had her eyes closed and a big smile on her face, as if her body had somehow parted ways with its spirit tumbling in a meadow somewhere. At peace.
Selina’s song reached deep into Morgan’s heart, piercing his soul and coursing through his mind. He watched Selina quietly with wide-eyed amazement, feeling a connection to her through the music.
As Morgan listened, he could feel all the thoughts in his mind disappear, one by one. until he felt weightless, flying like a kite on a calm day. Apparently, Barbara had not been jesting. Selina really could play.
Morgan lost himself in the music and was completely mesmerized as he continued to listen to the sounds played by Selina. He couldn't hide how impressed he was by her skill.
Morgan had no idea when the music stopped playing. The resounding applause echoing inside the music room pulled him out of his thoughts. He added to the applause, smiling pleasantly as he slammed his hands together for Selina.
He looked around and saw that everyone else had felt exactly what he had felt. He could see in their eyes that they hungered for more.
Selina beamed like a beacon tower on a dark night, shining brightest.
Morgan walked up to Selina, unable to take his eyes off her. She noticed him approaching and crossed her arms over her chest, raising her head proudly as though showing off.
“I have to say, that’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. Well done, Miss Knight.”
Selina blushed immediately, clearly not having expected a compliment. “Why, thank you, Your Grace.”
She put her arms down and twiddled her fingers in her lap instead. When she looked up at him again, it was with a smile that made his heart skip a beat.
Grace, who had been quietly observing all along, joined Morgan and Selina at the pianoforte. “So? What do you think now, my dear Morgan? Perhaps, now you agree with my suggestion that Selina would be a good governess for Barbara?
“If she can impact any skill of that caliber on my dear granddaughter, I believe Barbara would be set for the future, and she shall be a delight for every season to come.”
Morgan’s countenance went from being impressed at how well Selina had played the pianoforte, to his usual look of disagreement.
“You don’t agree?” asked the Dowager Duchess in disbelief.
“Well, I’m of the opinion that she only needs to be good for a single season to find herself a good match,” Morgan grumbled. “Regardless, I must admit that Ms. Knight does play the pianoforte stunningly.”
Selina’s lips had drawn into a line but still, she curtsied after Morgan’s compliment. “Thank you,” she said in an even voice.
“However,” Morgan continued. “I believe that a good governess must prove to have more than one skill to be able to regard herself as such,” Morgan turned to look at Selina, and they both locked eyes.
Selina swallowed visibly and let out a deep breath. She held Morgan’s gaze, not backing away from the intensity of his glare.
“Do tell, Your Grace... What other skills do you require me to put on display to show you I can be an exemplary governess for Barbara?”
Changing his posture and standing at his full height, Morgan replied to Selina. “Well, I believe a good governess must be an excellent dancer, possess stellar manners, and her embroidery must be something to write songs about as well.”
Selena stood straighter as well, shoving her nose into the air, even though she still looked several lengths shorter and smaller than Morgan.
“Well, I guess you would only have to wait and see for yourself,” Selina retorted testily. “As for me, I am quite confident in all of those things.”
Morgan could not help the small smile that played across his lips from witnessing Selina’s confidence in herself and her abilities. He loved how easily she rose to the challenge, refusing to back down.
At that moment, Morgan forgot all about his grandmother, his sister, and his best friend. He had eyes for only Selina and was lost in thoughts of her, smiling uncontrollably at her.
Only when he turned to the side and saw Arthur giving him a knowing look did he get control of himself. Morgan cleared his throat elaborately, then wore his poker face again.
