Page 12 of A Ghost of a Chance

“Indeed, it is,” she readily agreed. “Perhaps you might find more information in a library.”

“That was my thought as well, but the information I found was limited. Have you explored the ruins nearby?”

“Indeed I have, but not for many years. Oh, and there is a henge on the hill just to the north of the Great House.”

“Henges are fascinating. I’ve visited several. A pity we’ll never know who built them or for what purpose.”

They discussed several theories about their uses and origins. She tilted her head. “What else do you do when you aren’t exploring ancient sites?”

He paused. “You always seem to turn the conversation back to me. Is there some reason you don’t wish to talk about yourself?”

A rueful smile turned her mouth upward. “I haven’t led such an interesting life as you.”

“Let me be the judge of that.”

With a mysterious smile curving her lips, she spread her hands. “What do you wish to know?”

“Everything. I know little of you. You play the pianoforte, you have no love for bugs, and you wish to hear the bagpipes played on the moor by a kilted Scotsman.” He deliberately avoided mentioning that she had no family and was now quite alone.

She shrugged. “I was born here in Madding Hollow, and I never left. I have never visited London or Bath or the seashore or anywhere.”

“Do you still live in your childhood home?”

“No, not any longer.”

It would be unseemly to ask where she lived; one did not ask such a question of young ladies. Though she enchanted him, he may not have endeared himself to her so completely. Nor would it do to ask if she were independent or had found some source of employment. But why all the secrecy? Perhaps his earlier assessment of her being reticent was correct.

The strains of a pianoforte rang out into the night, drawing their attention to the room at the manor house he had spotted earlier filled with musical instruments. One of the large windows must have been left open for the breeze to carry the tones so easily. A beginner pounded away at the keys. Osanne winced, then her expression softened.

“It’s a child.” She indicated with her chin. “More enthusiasm than training, but such spirit will take her far.”

A voice rang out through the night air, “Oh, Molly, for Heaven’s sake. I thought....never mind. Quit that racket and go to the nursery.”

Through the windows of the well-lit music room across a lawn from them, Rafe watched a child reluctantly stand from the pianoforte. She left with the disapproving guardian and the door closed behind them. Rafe turned his attention back to Osanne. She stared longingly at the house. Or was it at the pianoforte?

“I would very much enjoy hearing you play,” Rafe said.

“I love music. It was always my solace when I was overset, my friend when I felt lonely, and my celebration when I was joyous.”

He stood and held out a hand. “There is an instrument which is unused at the moment, and unlikely to be for the remainder of the evening.”

Her eyes opened wide as if he’d just suggested something scandalous—which he had. Entering someone’s home uninvited was beyond the pale. But not the worst thing he ever did. It would probably be the worst thing she ever did, if she accepted his suggestion.

Shaking her head, she laughed. “I daresay it might be considered trespassing if we were to go into the main house.”

“Are we not trespassing already?” he taunted.

“Yes, ‘tis true, but here we are far less likely to be discovered.”

“I’m feeling a bit daring tonight.” He raised his brows in what he hoped was an invitation.

Still, she hesitated. “It might go badly if we are discovered inside.”

He nodded. “True. As a stranger to this area, I might seem more menacing. We could close the windows and doors once we’re inside the music room so the notes don’t carry as much. If someone does catch us, we’ll pretend we’re guests who wished for a moment away from the noise of the party.” He held his hand out to her and wiggled his fingers. “Do you dare?”

She laughed. “Surely you jest.”

“Not at all. I wish to hear you indulge in something about which you are so passionate.”