She stepped further into the room and noted a door on the other side. Maybe they had gone out that way.
Doing a slow turn, she took everything in, noting the richness of the room, and oddly, a tree in the corner decorated with garlands, bows and candles, though those were not lit.
She had heard of trees being decorated at this time of year but in Bavaria, she believed, certainly not England, unless some servants were from the Continent and this was their tradition.
It was quite lovely and she enjoyed the fresh, resinous, sharp and refreshing scent of the evergreens that filled the room not only from the tree but the greenery along the mantel. And then, she saw it. An ancient piano of cherry wood, ivory keys yellowed with age, and a stool with a worn and faded upholstered seat. The piano may be very old, but she knew that it was still in tune because it was clear that this was the piano she had heard and not echoes from the music room above.
She stepped forward and ran her hand along the smooth wood, her fingers aching to play, to strike the keys and release the emotions that have been building inside for the last day and a half, but did she dare?
Samantha looked around again, but nobody was here and if this was for the servants, they may have gone upstairs to clean up after the celebration, which meant they may not be back very soon.
She would just play for a little bit and then leave.
After slipping the crystals into the hidden pocket in her skirt, she settled onto the stool and placed her fingers on the keys, closed her eyes and began to play a tune that came from deep in her soul. And, because she was alone, Samantha did not bother to be mindful but released all her emotions. She was certain that by the time she was done that she would feel much better and hoped that the servants did not mind if they caught her.
And just maybe, her heart would heal and she might be able to put Cassian behind her.
Chapter 24
Cassian had been the last to leave the terrace last night.
He had seen Samantha silently slip inside, but he was certain that she would return.
She never did, even though he waited.
He had wanted to talk to her. He needed to apologize for what she may have believed to be rejection. He needed her to understand that he did care for her, but that he was not good enough to kiss her hand let alone her lips. But she never gave him a chance.
It could have been that she was angry with him for sending her away. Or, she was hurt, which was likely, or maybe she just felt poorly from the drink and may not even remember. She could also simply be embarrassed for coming to his door in such a bold manner. Except, if she could not recall, she likely would not have avoided him.
He needed to know that all was well because last night it hadn’t been. In fact, unease accompanied him and grew stronger and kept him awake most of the night. A fear that he could not explain.
He would have gone to Samantha, in her bedchamber, to assure himself all was well, but doing so would see her ruined. Instead, he tossed and turned all night.
He needed to speak with her, which was why he went searching for Samantha in her favorite place to watch the sunrise, but she was not there either and he watched alone as the sky lightened to dusky lavender blending with rose then merging into gold.
He then made his way into the house and waited. Nobody was awake, but he did not mind and he was not going to leave until he spoke with Samantha.
As the day grew brighter, more and more of the inhabitants of Nightshade Manor made their way into the dining room to break their fast. He had already eaten because he filled a plate as soon as the food was put out, then sat, sipping tea, waiting for Samantha to enter.
Except, she didn’t. Everyone was here except for Samantha, her parents, and brother.
His stomach tightened as panic took hold. He knew that they were not going to stay much longer, but had they left already?
He was not ready for her to be gone. He needed to see her. He needed to explain. He needed… He was being selfish.
If Samantha had left, maybe it was for the best and he could put her behind him and try to forget the only woman he had ever loved.
“Has anyone seen Samantha?” Her mother’s panicked question filled the room.
Everyone stopped talking and looked at her.
“She has not come down to breakfast yet,” Petra answered.
“You have not seen her anywhere?” Samantha’s father demanded as he entered, followed by Samantha’s brother.
Cassian sat forward.
“We have been preparing to leave and I went to check on Samantha to make certain she was packed but when I knocked on her bedchamber and received no answer, I entered. Her bed has not been slept in and the maid assured me that she had not gone to the room yet. She was going to wait until we were gone and then strip the linens to wash.”
