Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(44)

“That’s you, not the piano.”

Rose blushed. “You put too much stock in my talent, Lily. I hope I don’t embarrass myself.”

“You play beautifully and you know it. When Daniel and Lord Evan get here, you should start with the Mozart. Then play your Bach. Then Handel’s Water Music; that’s lovely. And don’t forget that cute little sonata by Scarlatti. I suppose you should play an English composer as well. How about Purcell? The music from the Fairy Queen is sweet.”

“Goodness, Lily, this is just an informal little gathering. I’m not playing a full concert.”

Lily ignored her. “Do you need me to go upstairs to the chamber and fetch your sheet music?”

“No, I can do it from memory. If only the Beethoven were ready.”

“Try it now. I’ll tell you if it’s ready or not.”

“I suppose I could, since the gentlemen aren’t here yet.” Rose began to play, her fingers dancing over the keys as the music soared from the piano.

“That’s the Beethoven that isn’t ready yet,” Lily said to Daniel and Evan, who had entered while Rose was playing. “I thought it was tantalizing, Rose.”

“Don’t be absurd, Lily,” Rose said, flushing. “I didn’t even get through half of the concerto.”

“You play beautifully,” Evan said. “Which concerto is it?”

“Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto in E Flat Minor,” Rose said. “He completed it in 1811. I’ve only been working on it a short time. I didn’t mean for anyone but Lily to hear it.”

“Nonsense, it was lovely,” Evan said.

“Play the Mozart now, Rose.” Lily turned to Daniel and Evan. “Mozart is my very favorite composer, ever since Papa took Rose and me to the opera to see The Marriage of Figaro. How old were we, Rose, about ten and eleven?”

“I was but nine, so you would have been ten,” Rose said. “It was a wonderful performance.” She laughed. “Thomas was seventeen. He escorted me and Papa escorted Lily. We had such fun playing grownup.” Rose’s face glowed. “All right, Lily, I’ll play the Mozart for you.” Her hands began dancing over the keys again, lightly bringing forth the delicate sonata.

Evan eventually went to sit beside her on the piano bench, watching her attentively. Daniel took Lily’s hand in his and kiss her upturned palm. Lily smiled at him, enjoying the music and his attentions. Rose played for over an hour, ending with Scarlatti’s sonata.

“You do play beautifully, my lady,” Daniel said. “I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a concert more.”

“You flatter me, Your Grace,” Rose said. “But thank you for the compliment, and thank you also for allowing me to use the conservatory. It was a pleasure to play such a magnificent instrument.”

“It’s been a long time since anyone has played it so compellingly. Please feel free to use the conservatory anytime you wish during your stay at Laurel Ridge.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“I must agree with His Grace, Rose,” Evan said. “Your playing is compelling—more than just talent and technique. There is an emotional component to your music that is nearly indescribable. I’m not sure the composers themselves could have played their own pieces any better, or with more feeling.”

“My lord, I do believe that is the nicest compliment I have ever received,” Rose said, lowering her head. “I do thank you.”

“It’s quite late. May I see you to your chamber?” he asked her, standing and helping her to her feet.

“Yes, that would be fine. Lily can accompany us.”

“Actually,” Lily said. “I would like for Daniel to explain some of these lovely paintings to me. Would you care to wait a bit?”

“I’m frightfully tired,” Rose said. “I-I suppose it’s all right for us to go alone. It’s just a walk to our chamber, after all. Shall we, my lord?” Rose took Evan’s arm and he led her out of the conservatory.

“Alone at last,” Daniel said to Lily, kissing her lightly on the lips. “Your sister is a splendid talent.”

“I told you so,” Lily said. “She has always considered herself a merely adequate musician. She’s so blasted modest, it’s annoying. But I think she’s incredible.”

“I agree, but you’re even more incredible, in my humble opinion.” He gathered her in his arms and kissed her, opening her lips with his tongue.

“Daniel, the paintings…”

“Can we talk about them tomorrow?” he asked softly, teasing her neck with warm, moist kisses.

“I suppose so. But Daniel, I can’t go to your chamber again… I can’t… Oh, bother.”

Daniel led her out of the conservatory, down the hall and up the servants’ staircase to his chamber.



* * *



Amelia stood in the dark outside the bachelor house. Jameson had come back from taking a walk with the skinny blond wench and then had gone inside and hadn’t come out again. It was still early. What on earth was going on in there? Was she losing her touch? Jameson hadn’t responded to any of her subtle advances when he escorted her to her chamber during dinner. She had ruined a perfectly good gown for nothing. She had never failed to attract any man of her choosing in the past, but just days ago the duke had rebuffed her. She would simply have to be more persuasive with Lord Jameson.