I held my breath as Cecelia maneuvered the cello to a chair at the front of the alcove and positioned herself behind it. Without sheet music, she would have to play by memory. That would likely be an obstacle for many in the room who were casual players.
And then she moved the bow over the strings. A deep, rich sound emanated from the instrument, and I closed my eyes as it washed over me. She was rather good. I didn’t notice a single mistake as she drew to a finish and was met with soft applause. I wondered if she had redeemed herself, although I doubted it would be enough to completely overlook the previous night.
“Lucian Cross.”
I blinked, looking up at Cecelia, who smiled back at me tightly.
“I choose you to go next,” she said.
I raised an eyebrow and nodded. Of course, this was payback for being rude to her. But I was keen to get this performance behind me, so she’d rather done me a favor.
I stalked to the alcove and selected a few instruments to bring near the pianoforte.
I first sat down with a harp. I began the first movement to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” Written for the piano, I figured that playing it on another instrument would not only show range, but creativity. My fingers plucked assuredly across the strings as I closed my eyes, letting the music move through me. I’d had decades to memorize this piece of music, and it was my favorite, so it was like child’s play.
A smattering of applause followed my performance, but I moved onto the pianoforte for the second movement, showcasing my skills with dramatic flair as my fingers danced across the ivory keys. I played the violin for the third movement, swaying as I ran the bow over strings in hurried movements, like a hummingbird’s wings. As the final note hung in the air, I let out a breath and opened my eyes.
Flora’s hands were clasped together. Zachariah was in awe. Even Cecelia looked impressed, although annoyed by that fact. The applause that followed was loud and made my heart swell. I’d rather enjoyed that. I’d truly felt the music. It had moved me, and I was happy to have shared that with my friends.
“Bravo, Lucian,” Violetta congratulated as I stepped out from the alcove. She’d heard me play previously, so the praise was appreciated.
Maxwell was still clapping when I reached him. “That was … I had no idea.”
I shrugged. “What can I say? I love music.” I looked out over the crowd and selected one of the few suitors whose name I actually recalled. She shouldn’t have remained in the competition as long as she had, and I had a feeling that anyone following me up would be intimidated and perhaps lose marks by comparison.
Flora was trying to remain neutral, but she kept sending me glances, like she’d just discovered something wonderful. I couldn’t help the pride that warmed me.
“You are full of surprises,” Maxwell breathed, patting my shoulder. “You made that look easy.”
“It becomes easy with enough practice,” I replied modestly. The way he was looking at me right now was making me feel giddy. I gestured back to the alcove. “Come, let’s give her a chance as well.”
Maxwell shook his head, but complied. Just then, I noticed Ambrose talking to Zachariah across the room. He was more animated than I’d seen him in days. Had he seen me perform? Or perhaps it was still the high from the hunt.
“Finally, he’s here,” Flora sighed with relief as she noted his appearance as well. “I thought he would be talking in the drawing room half the evening. We need to commence with the dancing.”
“Who’s he with?” Cecelia asked, craning her neck, and I noticed Ambrose angled to include another young man in his conversation.
“Thomas Grange is in town,” Maxwell said, raising his voice as the piano began to play. “I heard he was recovering from an accident or some ordeal while traveling. I’ll have to introduce you, Lucian.”
Flora nodded. “The fresh country air will do him good. There’s nothing quite like it for restoring one’s health.”
Ambrose spotted the duchess and waved, pulling a handsome blond boy along behind him as he made to join us.
My eyes settled on the newcomer. A curl of golden hair had brushed his forehead, and he pushed it back into place impatiently.
That was funny. He looked familiar, very much like the boy from my dungeon, whom I’d toyed with before I’d been run from my castle.
I froze, picturing this boy covered in a week’s worth of stubble, eyes wild with desperation and fear.
My heart ground to a halt. It wasn’t so much a striking resemblance—itwashim.
Of all the stupid humans to run into, of course I would run into him.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Iwas going to be found out. I would be vilified and staked right here before the dancing had even begun. They would perform the waltz over my bones, laughing at the crackling sound as my ribs crumbled to dust beneath their shoes.
Well, that’s what I would have done.
