And it did, in fact, require dusting. Such a shame to ignore such a beautiful instrument for days on end. She sat down at the pianoforte and discovered her task for the afternoon.
The ivory keys were a dull, yellowish color. Taking a moment to fetch milk and a cleaning paste, time ceased to exist when she returned and set herself to scrubbing at each key individually. Occasionally, she’d set the cloth aside and allow her fingers to dance across them in one of her favorite runs. So caught up in the task was she that she didn’t hear the door open. She only knew she was no longer alone, until an achingly familiar voice startled her.
“Charlotte.”
She hadn’t known him for even a week. Yet, in some ironic twist of fate, he’d come to mean the world to her.
Her fingers stilled. She glanced over her shoulder, and she let out a sigh of relief to discover that at least he’d come alone.
“My lord,” she answered. Did he have need of her? Was he searching for her on Susan’s request? Charlotte reluctantly pushed back the bench and began to rise.
“Don’t get up on my behalf.” He closed the door behind him and sauntered across the room. “You play?” Now he was standing, leaning really, against the wood she’d polished earlier.
Feeling self-conscious, she nodded. He should not be here. “I played for my father’s congregation.”
“You enjoy it.” She glanced up briefly. His eyes were hooded and lazy. More sensual than normal…
“I do.” She answered tentative. “Are you… well?”
He laughed, a low, ironic sounding chuckle. “As well as can be expected.” And then, “Play for me?”
It could not hurt. Could it? Playing for others always gave her more pleasure than simply playing for herself. It forced her to concentrate harder. She tried to channel her emotions so the listener might feel the music as it was meant to be…
“Play something soothing.”
It was Christmas, after all. She did not require sheet music for the song she had in mind. Immediately, she lost herself in her favorite carol. And she sang.
The first Noel,the Angel did say
Was to three poor Shepherds in fields as they lay.
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
In a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
She knewevery verse by heart and finally finished up with the last one.
If we inour time shall do well
We shall be free from death and Hell
For God hath prepared for us all
A resting place in general.
Charlotte endedthe final note tenderly. She had nearly forgotten she wasn’t alone. The song brought back so many memories of her father, the life she knew…
“You’ve a gift.” Lord Mapleton spoke the words softly. “Both the playing and the singing.”
Heat crawled up Charlotte’s neck into her cheeks. She wasn’t embarrassed, but it had been so long since she’d been paid a compliment. She blinked away a sudden stinging behind her eyes. Music had always affected her emotionally.
“Thank you.” She’d change the subject away from herself. “Do you play?”
In answer, he walked closer and indicated she allow him to join her on the bench. “Not as well as you. My mother insisted we all take lessons at a young age.”
