Panic began to set in again as the words echoed in Charlotte’s mind.
Is Lord Sinclair singing a duet with me?
She swallowed hard again and shut her mouth after realizing that her jaw had dropped slightly at the idea of having to accompany the handsome marquess. They had only spoken a few times, but something about the man made her heart race whenever he was near.
“Of course, I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that before; your son’s voice is renowned.” Lady Thornton perked up considerably as she smiled at the handsome young marquess.
“I’m sure that the marquess wouldn’t feel comfortable being put on the spot like that,” Charlotte spoke up, suddenly feeling as if playing alone wasn’t such a bad idea at all. She’d rather make a fool of herself in front of all the guests than allow the marquess to partake in her embarrassment when she inevitably fumbled over the keys.
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to accompany you with a song.” The marquess held her gaze with an intense look that made her breath catch in her throat.
What is this feeling that the man invokes within me?
Charlotte felt her pulse quicken as heat crept up her neck. There was something secret and intimate in the gaze they shared, almost as if they possessed a connection that none of the others were aware of at all.
“It’s settled then. I’ll announce the change of plan to the guests.” Lady Thornton’s shoulders seemed to relax as she took a deep breath and swept past Charlotte in haste.
Turning away from Jameson, Charlotte focused on Lady Thornton as she made her way across the room towards the pianoforte.
This can’t be happening!
She tried to steady her breathing as Lady Isabella excitedly began to chat with the duchess.
“Don’t worry. I’ve been told that I’m more than capable of carrying a note.” The marquess’s breath tickled the back of her neck as he whispered in her ear.
***
Jameson took his position beside the pianoforte as he waited for Charlotte to take a seat. He could tell how nervous she was by the way the corners of her mouth were twitching. He thought perhaps that he should have backed off when he had seen how hesitant she had been. Yet knowing how lovely her voice had sounded in the garden had made him want to sing with her.
Looking to the side, Jameson noticed the furious scowl on Lady Henrietta’s face. She looked like she would burn the house down if given half the chance. Elizabeth, however, was trying her best to comfort her friend while glancing curiously in Charlotte’s direction.
Averting his gaze back to Charlotte, he waited for her to compose herself.
Charlotte shut her eyes, took a deep breath, and positioned her slender white fingers over the keys, signalling to Jameson that she was ready to start.
The guests seemed to hold their breaths collectively, waiting to see if Charlotte Grey would break her musical silence after years of mourning. Even Jameson had to admit that he was curious to see how she would fare after hearing the evening’s gossip.
A sweet melody carried across the room as Charlotte’s fingers skillfully danced across the ivory keys.
Jameson stood stunned for a second, haunted by the harmonious melody that filled the air; it wasn’t until Charlotte lifted her hazel eyes that he remembered his part in the performance. The deep baritone of Jameson’s voice accompanied her playing, adding words to the elegant tune.
A delighted gasp rippled through the audience as Charlotte harmonized with Jameson in perfect synchronicity. It was only Henrietta who seemed to dislike the performance as she narrowed her eyes and sneered at Charlotte. The duchess stood beside Lady Thornton, her eyes filling with tears as she revelled in the beauty of her son’s voice mingling with Charlotte’s.
The final notes of the song filled the air, ushering Jameson into his final verse as Charlotte’s eyes once again locked with his for a breathtaking finish.
“Bravo!” The duchess applauded louder than anyone else as the crowd erupted in polite cheers of admiration.
Everyone besides Lady Henrietta and Jameson’s sister turned to one another in surprise, sharing their thoughts about how good the performance had been.
Feeling accomplished, Jameson turned to Charlotte in an attempt to congratulate her, but the man who had danced with her at the ball had already made his way to her side.
I turn my back for a second, and the wolves descend …
Jameson’s body stiffened as he clenched his teeth, catching a few snippets of the conversation.
“I knew that you loved to play the pianoforte, Lady Charlotte. What I did not know was how beautifully you could sing. Was it your parents who taught you how to sing? Or did your uncle have a hand in your musical abilities as well?” The tall man leaned in closer with one arm resting on the lid of the piano.
“Thank you, Lord Dunham. My musical abilities are entirely credited to my parents. I do not think that my uncle even has the slightest inkling for singing or playing.” Charlotte sat up straight with her hands in her lap, glancing at her uncle every few sentences.
