“He will, indeed,” Lady Danson said. “Anyone who hasn’t had the good fortune to make it to one of his concerts will be treated to his latest composition.”
“How thrilling,” Martine said.
“Then you haven’t spoken toThe Timesor theMorning Heraldyet?” Brilliance asked again.
“In fact, I have,” Mr. Castern said, nodding to those around him. “I was interviewed byThe Timesrecently.”
“I read that,” Lord Redley said. “That’s how I knew you were acquainted with my aunt.”
“Yes, he mentioned my patronage,” Lady Danson gushed.
Even though Mr. Castern was trying to make eye contact only with Lord Redley, Brilliance made him look at her with her next words. “It doesn’t sound as though you confessed yet to plagiarizing Lord Hewitt’s music as you were supposed to.”
As if all the guests were listening to the small group rather than merely the few people around Brilliance, the entire room fell silent.
“I beg your pardon,” said Lord Redley’s aunt.
“Bri, what are you saying?” asked Martine, touching her arm. “Everyone knows Mr. Castern is a brilliant composer. No one else knows Lord Hewitt plays the piano.”
“I know,” said Ambrose Castern. “He is an old friend from school. A gifted pianist, but a little jealous of my success.”
Brilliance gave an unladylike snort. “He is not in the least jealous of you. Even if he were, that doesn’t change the fact that you stole his music.”
She heard the gasps but didn’t let it stop her. “You received a letter from his solicitor, and to prevent legal action, you were supposed to confess toThe Times.”
She turned to Lord Redley who looked a strange shade of puce, perfectly matched by his aunt’s aghast expression.
“I know for a fact he was supposed to publicly confess,” Brilliance added.
To her astonishment, Mr. Castern laughed. “I must say, considering I came to give a free performance, I find this particular guest to be a puzzling inclusion to our evening.”
“Puzzling and insulting,” said Mrs. Castern. “I think we should leave.”
“No, please don’t,” said Lord Redley’s aunt before looking pointedly at Brilliance.
In the silence that ensued, Brilliance realized the import of her hostess’s stare.
“Are you wantingmeto leave?” She was half mortified, but also strangely fascinated. “I have never left any party at its start. I am not sure my parents will approve of my returning home so soon.”
Lady Danson appeared to waver. “I cannot offend Lord and Lady Diamond,” she moaned. “I shall be shunned.”
“Oh, no,” Brilliance said. “They would never shun you. They will, of course, wonder at your choice of a guest of honor, seeing how he is a man without any. And they will be utterly perplexed as to how I could be thrown out of your home before I even got to taste the quality of your pottage.”
When Lord Redley’s aunt groaned with dismay, he became her champion, turning on Brilliance.
“I must insist you apologize to Mr. Castern for disparaging him and to my aunt for frightening her with ... with becoming a social pariah due to your impressive lineage. That is not at all fair.”
His aunt moaned again at the notion.
“I intended to frighten no one,” Brilliance protested. “Nevertheless, I am telling the truth. I have even been deposed on the matter.” She finished with a nod to those who were watching.
Martine squeezed her arm. “I know you thought Lord Hewitt to be most admirable this past summer, but he has filled your head with fabrications.”
Brilliance wished she had spoken to Martine about all that had transpired recently, but she hadn’t had the chance.
“He hasn’t, I assure you. You are my good friend. You ought to believe me over this charlatan.” She looked at Mr. Castern again. “It’s a very fine-sounding word,charlatan,but doesn’t mean anything near as regal as it sounds.”
“I know what it means,” Mr. Castern said, his eyes flickering from her to those around them.
