She had played for hours that night. Had felt useful, valued, part of something bright and promising.
How long ago did that seem now? How far they had all fallen.
“Lady Louise?” Lady Merrow’s voice cut through her reverie. “We’re ready when you are, dear.”
Louise shook off the memory and focused on the keys. She chose a waltz she remembered from her debut season, a pretty thing in three-quarter time that had been popular at Almack’s. Her fingers found the notes with growing confidence, the melody filling the room with warmth.
“Now then.” Lady Merrow took Emily’s hands. “The waltz is simply a box. Forward, side, together. Back, side, together. Watch my feet.”
Emily concentrated fiercely, her tongue poking out between her lips as she tried to mirror Lady Merrow’s movements. She stumbled once, twice, then caught the rhythm.
“Yes! That’s it!” Lady Merrow beamed. “You’re a natural, my dear. Again, from the top.”
Louise played on, watching her sister transform before her eyes. The anxiety melted from Emily’s face, replaced by determination and then, gradually, delight. She was dancing. Really dancing with her small feet moving in time with the music.
Buttercup, who had been observing from his spot by the window, suddenly rose and padded over to join them. He sat directly in their path, tail thumping against the floor.
“Buttercup!” Emily giggled. “You’re in the way!”
The dog’s tail thumped harder.
“I think he wants to dance too,” Lady Merrow said with mock seriousness. “Look, he’s keeping time with his tail.”
It was true. The massive tail swept back and forth in a rough approximation of the waltz’s triple meter.
“He’s dancing!” Emily crowed. “Buttercup is dancing!”
The dog seemed pleased with this assessment. He rose onto his haunches, front paws lifting in what could charitably be called an attempt at a pirouette. The effect was so absurd that Louise’s fingers stumbled on the keys.
“Don’t stop!” Emily pleaded. “He was doing so well!”
Louise laughed, the sound surprising her with its lightness. She hadn’t laughed like this in so long. Hadn’t felt this warmth spreading through her chest, this simple, uncomplicated joy.
She resumed playing, and Buttercup resumed his ridiculous performance, swaying his bulk from side to side while Emilyclapped encouragement. Lady Merrow had abandoned all pretense of instruction, doubled over with laughter.
“He’s going to knock over the music stand,” Louise warned, but she was laughing too hard to sound stern.
“Let him!” Emily spun in a circle, arms spread wide. “This is the best dancing lesson ever!”
The music swelled, filling the room, filling Louise’s heart with something she had thought lost forever.
Her sister was safe. Happy. Learning to dance in a beautiful house with people who cared for her.
The complications with Aaron, the kiss she couldn’t forget, the tension that crackled between them whenever they were in the same room. None of it mattered as much as this moment. As much as Emily’s laughter. As much as the simple gift of watching her sister twirl without fear.
Louise played the last notes and let her hands rest on the keys.
“Again!” Emily demanded. “Please, Louise? Just one more?”
“One more,” Louise agreed. “And then we must let Lady Merrow rest.”
“Rest?” Lady Merrow drew herself up with theatrical affront. “I could dance until dawn! It’s Buttercup who needs rest. Look at him. He’s exhausted from his exertions.”
The dog had collapsed onto the carpet, tongue lolling, looking enormously pleased with himself.
Emily kneeled to hug him. “You were wonderful, Buttercup. The best dancing partner ever.”
Louise began another waltz, slower this time, and watched her sister and Lady Merrow practice the steps with renewed confidence. The sunlight streamed through the windows. The music filled the air. And for one perfect moment, everything felt possible.
