Page 31 of Courting the Country Miss

“She fell in love, Bella. You may do foolish things when you find love, too.”

“I won’t steal anyone’s almost-betrothed.”

“Hush!”

Isabella’s mouth tightened.

Leticia didn’t know whether to weep or rejoice that her sister felt so protective of her, but Isabella’s hostility toward Elizabeth was misplaced and unwarranted. How could she help Isabella see that?

They took a seat near the back with Aunt Alice. As the first young lady took the stage, Tristan slipped in, his eyes darting around as if searching for someone. When his gaze landed on Leticia, he moved toward her, but his eyes still searched. Perhaps he sought Mrs. Hunter, or some other potential amusement.

Unaccountably, her heart grew heavy at the thought.

He slipped into the empty chair next to Leticia and he grinned like the smooth rogue of his reputation. “You look ravishing.”

Careful not to smile, Leticia let out a huff. “Your compliments are outrageous and too freely given.”

Tristan’s soft laugh touched her like a caress.

The first musician began and Leticia turned her full attention to the performance, but each breath Tristan drew distracted her. Each time he shifted, she wanted to turn and look at him.

When Isabella and Leticia’s names were called, they rose. Isabella, poised and confident, took center stage while Leticia sat at the pianoforte. After tuning her violin to the pianoforte, Isabella nodded. Leticia took a calming breath and began. At the right cue, Isabella’s violin joined in. Light seemed to fill the room as Isabella brought life to the violin. The usual noises of the audience disappeared until a mere whisper could have been heard.

Breathless, the crowd leaned in, straining to catch every note she played. Leticia’s fingers flew over the keyboard as if possessed by some muse designed to showcase Isabella’s talent. With passion and precision, Isabella played the entire piece flawlessly, and with deep emotion. Tears sprang to Leticia’s eyes at the sheer majesty of it. Leticia played on, unable to see the keys, somehow without making a mistake to mar the perfection of Isabella’s performance. When the final note faded away, silence enveloped the room. A spontaneous and deafening applause rattled the candelabras.

Leticia gripped Isabella’s hand as they took their bows. Isabella stood with head bowed demurely. Leticia wanted to hug her.

“Brava,” Tristan mouthed, nodding, admiration shining in his eyes.

Leticia straightened, her heart leaping at his approval.

When the applause died down, they left the stage. Many leaned forward to speak additional praises as Leticia and Isabella made their way back to Aunt Alice. Since they were the final number, conversation rose and fell around them.

Aunt Alice hugged them both and rocked them back and forth. “Oh, you’ll be the talk of Town.”

Tristan laid a hand over his heart. “You two stole my heart. Will you both marry me?”

They laughed and Leticia swatted Tristan’s arm, earning a very cocky grin in return.

“I didn’t realize you played that well,” Tristan continued. “The last time I heard you perform, it sounded like you were torturing a cat.”

Isabella tilted her head archly. “You call that a compliment?”

A young gentleman appeared, his eyes starry as he gazed at Isabella. “Miss Isabella, you were like an angel.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Griffith.” Isabella lowered her eyes and her cheeks pinked enough to make her appear demure but not shy.

“May I fetch you some lemonade?” the buck asked.

Before she could agree, another young gentleman approached and bowed, first to the buck, then to Aunt Alice. “Good evening, Griffith. Mrs. Tallier.” He shot an admiring glance at Isabella before addressing Aunt Alice. “Please, Mrs. Tallier, I beg you, introduce me to this vision.” His gaze flitted toward Leticia. “Both of them.”

He failed to fool Leticia with his amended request. Still, she recognized the kindness of his gesture.

While Aunt Alice made the introductions, Mr. Griffith’s smile faded. He held out a hand to Isabella. “Please excuse me but Miss Isabella and I were about to take a turn about the room and enjoy some refreshments.”

Isabella glanced between both young gentlemen and then accepted Mr. Griffith’s offered hand. She looked back at the newcomer as they moved away. “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure was mine, Miss Isabella.”