Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

Author:J'nell Ciesielski
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2021-01-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

“It’s gaudy.”

Ignoring Esther’s disdain, Lily stood back and admired her handiwork. It wasn’t quite time for Christmas greenery, but the thick pine branches and crusty cones perfectly heralded the changing seasons into the library. Festoons of red tablecloths procured from a storage closet blossomed across the windows and doorframes in festive participation. Bowls of chrysanthemums and cinnamon sticks dotted the ceiling-high bookshelves. The sticks had somewhat lost the height of aromatic affability, but standing close enough might afford one a surprising whiff of holiday cheer.

“Where’d ye want this, lass?” Guthrie huffed in the doorway with Viola’s piano. The girl had been so excited to hear of Ethel’s impending visit that she’d offered her precious instrument for accompaniment.

Lily waved him into the room and pointed at the western wall. “Right over there, opposite the fireplace.”

“All right, lads. Backs intae it.” Guthrie and two patients, each missing one eye and referring to themselves as the Squints, pushed the piano across the hardwood floor. The wheels squeaked with each rotation until groaning at ease upon reaching their destination.

Left Squint wiped the sweat dotting his upper lip. “Phew! That beast is heavy.”

Right Squint nodded as he stared down at his hard day’s work. “Lucky this place has double doors to wheel it through. We couldn’t all cram into the room we found her. Too many bedpans.”

“By the window is a better place. Move it there,” Esther announced.

“No, I prefer to keep the piano where it is,” Lily said.

Drawing closer, Esther gave her best impression of a swan staring down at an insignificant bug. “I know this castle more intimately than you ever could or will. Why, it’s practically a home to me. Best to leave the placement of things with me.”

“Matron Strom left me in charge.”

“For now.”

Lily ignored her and walked around the piano. The reddish hue of rosewood promised true beauty beneath a layer of grime. “I certainly do appreciate it, gentlemen. The performance will be so much more enjoyable thanks to your noble efforts.”

“Got a player yet?” Right Squint asked.

Lily shook her head. She had begged Viola to play for the men at the show, but the girl had blushed to her roots and begged an excuse, saying she hoped to sit in the back without causing a disturbance to the true artist. “Not yet, but I’m hoping to—” change her mind. Alec’s accusations taunted her. Always assuming what was best. Making decisions for others without their consent. He may not be in the same room, but his voice never left her. “I’m certain a talent will spring forth soon enough.”

“I shall do it.” Like a heavenly light meant to illuminate them all, Esther took her seat before the piano. Her white fingers floated above the keys as if awaiting divine inspiration to flow into them before touching the ivories. At her touch it emitted something close to a heavy sound rolling around in a barrel. Esther shot out of her seat as if offended. “Ugh. It’s out of tune. I simply cannot play on this instrument in this state.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.