Page 45 of A Ghost of a Chance

Rafe called out, “Thank you.”

Osanne giggled. “When did you learn to play the piano?”

“I had my first lesson when I was four.”

She reared back in surprise and floated upward a few inches.

“I haven’t played in years, but I figured I ought to know a few pieces,” he jerked his thumb toward the door through which the footman had spoken, “for just such an occasion. So, I’ve been practicing.”

“Very clever.”

“In addition, playing helps me feel connected to you, even when you’re gone.” He held out his hand again and she obliged him by pressing hers to it.

He stood. “Regrettably, I must dance another set.”

She smiled. “I already hear the next refrain for my piece. I shall work on it until your return.”

He smiled and left her in the music room to play to her heart’s content, locking the door behind him. His voice carried to her as he instructed a servant not to open the door.

At the pianoforte, she played with more joy than ever. Her song took shape into a beautiful composition. Then she played other selections, losing herself in music and the unique bliss it provided.

Rafe returned, smiling like a man who had a secret and sat next to her again. An amused light danced in his eyes. “My parents are watching all the female guests. They have surmised that the reason I decided to settle here is because I have found a young lady, and are scrutinizing everyone with whom I speak, or dance, or even glance at.”

“Oh? Have you given them any reason to suspect someone in particular?”

He shook his head. “I’ve limited all my conversations and dances to older widows, and married ladies.” He chuckled. “My mother is becoming impatient.”

She shared a smile with him. “I hear footsteps. Someone is coming again.”

Rafe played that same piece by Bach.

The door opened. “Here you are!” Rafe’s mother sailed in, her silk skirts whispering. She stopped short and looked about.

Rafe ceased playing and turned to her. “Mother?”

She blinked at him. “You’re here alone?”

Rafe let out a sigh and nodded. “Forgive me for leaving, but I was a bit overcome by the crowd and needed a few moments’ peace.”

“Oh. I thought perhaps you were with...someone.” She paused and gave him a curious look. “I’m pleased to see you playing again after all this time.”

“I enjoy it more now than I did as a child.”

She nodded thoughtfully, then seemed to remember her previous line of thought. “Very well, son. Collect yourself and return for the next set, if you please. You are the host, you know.”

“Of course, Mother, just as I had planned.” Rafe gave her a smile that was equal parts disarming and respectful.

She smoothed her dark hair and closed the door softly behind her.

Rafe grinned at Osanne. “She’s disappointed that she didn’t catch me in a scandalous tryst.” Then he sobered, and something intense and poignant in Rafe’s expression gave her pause. “I so greatly desire to kiss you that I can hardly think of anything else.”

Ah, to share a kiss with Rafe! “I have never been kissed. I’m not sure how.”

“May I try? We’ve touched. Perhaps a touching of lips?”

Was such an act possible?

“You may try,” she whispered.