In a breathy voice, she said, “I auditioned for a spot at the Kensington Music Conservatory.”
“You mentioned that the ladies’ guild was supporting the organization.” Hence, an explanation for the mysterious letter she had received the morning Anne told us Nigel was asking for her hand. I had been suspicious that she was having an affair with the waiter from the Stratham. My cheeks heated and not from our activity. What a jealous fool I had been. “Indeed, and what pray tell does that entail?”
“If I am accepted, I will be taking classes at the conservatory among other gifted musicians.” Her entire face lit up, yet there was an underlying uncertainty in her smile.
“I’ve always known you were a very talented musician, and you enjoy playing. I never knew the extent of your passion. Why didn’t you say anything?” I lifted my head and met her regard. She had laid down the ground rules about me assisting her, and I had to tread carefully lest I step on her proverbial toes.
She bit her lip before exhaling. “Because other things were more important.”
I traced a finger over the frown lines between her eyes. While I had been blind to her frustration, in my defense, she hid it well. Or I simply wasn’t home enough to notice. A common theme in my road to self-discovery. “Nothing is more important than your happiness.”
A wavering smile tilted her mouth. Doubt still rested in her gaze. “Even though I applied, there is no guarantee I will get in. Flynn said they only accept young people. What if they don’t want me?”
“To quote Olivia, Flynn is a prat.” I caressed her soft cheek, my forehead coming to rest against hers. Several different answers popped into my head, but I kissed her instead. She wanted my support, and I would give it to her in any way I could. I could see that this meant the world to her, and I had to believe she’d succeed. Her happiness depended on it. “Then we will pass that hurdle when it comes.”
Chapter Seventeen
Lady Eleanor, Duchess of Smythington
Our encounter on the piano still resonated in my head the following morning. The spontaneous coupling had been heated and I squirmed in my seat just thinking about it. I prayed my marriage was on the mend and that Rex and I could find new delight in each other rather than live like strangers.
I practiced in the vestibule while an army of servants readied Anne for the wedding that would take place in ten minutes. With violin in hand, I continued practicing the piece for the wedding. Every time I considered what was happening, I began to cry, and concentrating on the instrument helped me keep my composure.
“Mama, that is a very lovely piece,” Anne said, getting up from her bench, the exquisite white gown flowing behind her. Like my daughter, I had also donned a white dress, a tradition Queen Victoria made popular.
“Do you like it? I composed this piece for you.” My emotions came out in my music, and Anne was my biggest supporter. She’d sat quietly in the corner many afternoons playing with her dolls while I played my music. I had hoped to pass my skills to my children. Atticus was skilled on the pianoforte, and was an accomplished singer when I could coax him to sing. Apparently, that was too undignified for a young man about to embark on his second term at university.
“Are you playing it during the ceremony?” she asked.
“I intend to.” I would be accompanied by the organ, an instrument I played, as well as five others. Would that help or hinder me at the conservatory? I had auditioned and now awaited their answer. Part of me regretted telling Rex simply because I couldn’t back out if accepted. The fact he had encouraged me made me glad I had given in to the impulse. In a week, my life might change.
“We are ready now.” The vicar’s wife peeked into the room, and my heart leaped with joy.
“We will be right out.” I took Anne’s hands in mine and looked deep into her eyes. My recent experience with Flynn and my husband opened my eyes to my ignorance and close-mindedness regarding passion. I recalled my wedding day and the bad advice my mother gave me. Sadly, I had followed it. I didn’t want that for my daughter therefore I would push past my conformist past and rectify the issue. “Are you ready, my dear?” I asked.
She threw herself into my arms in answer. Sweet perfume enveloped me, along with the unique and familiar scent of my dearest daughter. “Oh, Mama, I am very ready to be Nigel’s wife.”
I cupped her cheek and brushed my fingertip across her smooth skin. In her eyes, I still spied my baby girl. She was a woman now, and I prayed she would have a gifted life. “I am very glad for you. Now, do not cry yet,” I said, trying to keep my own tears at bay. “The time for tears will come soon enough.”
“I will. It is inevitable thus I am no longer fighting it.” Anne pulled back and cast me a watery smile. “We can’t begin the ceremony without the music.”
“Before we go, I have something I need to say to you.” I licked my lips, fighting the battle with my own discomfort. After years of it being drilled into my head that a lady doesn’t speak of suchthings, I think it was time to break that silence. “I know you love Nigel, and tonight, you will become his wife in all ways.”
Her eyes widened as the flush on her cheeks turned to a fierce blush. “You already explained this to me.”
