The Baron's Honourable Daughter by Lynn Morris

Author:Lynn Morris
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: FaithWords
Published: 2014-05-06T04:00:00+00:00

That night after dinner Regina suggested they go to the music room. It was actually one end of a large room; at the other end was the card room, with its comfortable seating area by an enormous fireplace. They all settled down close to it, luxuriating in the hot snapping fire. The night was stormy and cold, but the room was warm and comforting.

“Valeria, dear, won’t you play for us?” Regina asked. “It seems so long since we’ve had music.”

“Mamma, Elyse is much more accomplished than I,” Valeria said.

“I don’t think so,” Regina said gently. “I know you don’t like to perform, but I really would enjoy that piece by Herr Beethoven, the one you played for me and St. John when he was so ill.”

Valeria considered her mother. That afternoon Regina, with Lady Hylton’s help, had gone through Lord Maledon’s extensive wardrobe. They had decided what clothing and accessories were to be given away, and what was to be kept for St. John. Regina had told Valeria that she had decided to give Thrale three barely worn suits of coat, waistcoat, and breeches, two top hats, an ebony walking stick, and a gold watch and chain. It had galled Valeria, but of course she had said nothing. Tonight her mother seemed saddened and weary.

“All right, Mamma, I will play, but only for you,” she said with a smile.

She went to the pianoforte, found the music, and began to play Beethoven’s Silencio. It was a long piece, and after the first few pages Valeria found that she didn’t really need the sheet music; she had in fact memorized the sonata without realizing it. She played, and watched her mother, who stared into the fire with what seemed to be a forlorn, lost expression. But as the quiet, restful music went on, Regina’s face gradually took on a look of peace.

When a person plays such tranquil, soft music, in some drawing rooms it becomes background to conversation. But here no one said a word. Valeria was momentarily distracted by the intent expression on Alastair’s face. He never took his eyes from her, and Valeria, to her astonishment, thought that he looked utterly absorbed—perhaps even enthralled—by the music.

When the last soft notes faded away, there was only silence in the room for long moments. Then everyone started applauding, and Valeria rose from the bench and returned to her chair next to Alastair. Lady Hylton said, “Valeria, I had no idea you were so gifted! Now that I think of it, I’ve never once heard you play.”

“That’s because she refuses to play, except when I beg her to,” Regina said. “And even I cannot persuade her to sing.”

“That’s because I sound like the peacocks wailing,” Valeria said. “And I just don’t like to play very much. It’s not something I particularly enjoy.”

“But whyever not?” Elyse asked. “It seems that having such a gift would give you great pleasure.”

Carelessly Valeria said, “It’s not really such a great gift. Just about anyone can read sheet music and depress the correct keys.

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