Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(60)

“Will Lord Myerson be joining us later?” Cameron asked.

“Oh no, I’m afraid not. He had an engagement that he couldn’t miss this evening.”

“I see.” He was beginning to see very well. So much for Newland’s promise that he wouldn’t have to trade his services for donations. “Tell me, my lady. Why did you invite me here?”

“My, you do like to get right to the point, don’t you?” Lady Myerson smiled.

She was a very pretty woman with cinnamon-colored hair and eyes, a perky round face and a firmly curved body. Cameron guessed her to be in her early thirties. Her mouth was definitely her most intriguing feature. Her lips were a spicy coral color, and the top lip was slightly fuller than the bottom, giving her a pouty look that was distinctive and, well, tempting. For a moment Cameron imagined sucking on it.

“You’re staring, Mr. Price.”

“Pardon? Forgive me. My mind was elsewhere.”

“I think I may know where.”

He laughed nervously. “Opening night is less than a week away. I can’t seem to focus on anything except my music these days.”

“Zachary has assured me that you are extremely gifted. I doubt you need to worry about your compositions.”

“I worry nonetheless. This is my first full-time post. I want to make sure that I do the best job possible.”

“Zachary says that you are extremely dedicated.”

“Yes, I am.”

“I’m looking forward to discussing your work with you. Shall we head to the dining room?”

“Of course.” He stood and offered her his arm.

She led him not to a formal dining area but to a small sitting room where a table for two had been set.

“Since it’s just the two of us this evening, I thought a more…intimate setting would be appropriate.”

Indeed. “It looks very nice.” Cameron held her chair and took his place next to her.

“May I offer you some wine?” Lady Myerson asked. “This is a late Burgundy. One of my favorites.”

Yes, he would need a drink to get through this evening. “Thank you.” He took the bottle and poured her glass and then his own.

“I must tell you, Mr. Price, I’ve taken quite an interest in the new Regal Theatre.”

“We all appreciate your support.”

“You have that. I’ve been a fan of Zachary’s for years. He’s brilliant.”

“Yes, he certainly is.”

“From what he tells me, you are brilliant as well.”

“He has shown a lot of confidence in my work, which I appreciate.”

“I’m so looking forward to opening night. I’m sure your work will be inspired.”

“I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

“I don’t imagine you could.” She motioned to an upright pianoforte in the corner of the small room. “Might you play something for me now?”

“If you wish, I suppose I could. But isn’t dinner going to be served soon?”

“In a half hour or so. I thought we’d enjoy a glass of wine first.” She rose and took his hand, leading him to the pianoforte. “Please. I’d love to hear something.”

Cameron sat down. “You’ll have to forgive my playing,” he said. “I’ve a decent hand, but I’m really more of a composer than a performer.” He began to play Lily’s Waltz.

“Oh, that’s lovely,” Lady Myerson said. “Why have I never heard it before?”

“It was a private commission for the Duke of Lybrook.”

“Really? How nice.”

“He commissioned it for his wife, for their first dance together at their wedding ball.”

“Myerson and I missed the wedding. We were on the continent. It must have been quite a gala.”

“It was. A very extravagant affair.” He finished the piece.

“That was beautiful,” Lady Myerson said. “Could you play something else?”

“Yes, of course.” The only piece better than Lily’s Waltz was Wandering Rose. If he was going to impress this woman, that was the piece he should play. His heart wasn’t in it, but he began stroking the keys softly, letting the melody and harmony of Rose flow through his body and into the pianoforte. He imagined Rose’s unique touch giving life to the music she inspired. To hear her play his music, just once more, would be heaven. He came to the end of the piece and stopped playing abruptly.

“Now that was truly brilliant,” Lady Myerson breathed. “It was haunting, yet joyous. Who inspired that piece?”

Cameron cleared his throat. “It was another private commission.”

“Indeed? I could have sworn it was a love song.”

“No,” Cameron lied.

“You’re a remarkable talent, Mr. Price.”

“You’re too kind.”

“Rubbish. I am never kind, as those who know me will attest.” She smiled. “In fact, I’m rather wicked.”

“Indeed?” Cameron eyed Lady Myerson’s seductive mouth.

“Oh, yes.” She looked up as a footman entered the room. “Ah, I believe our meal is ready to be served. Come join me, won’t you?”