Music for the Duke (Suddenly a Duke Book 2) by Alexa Aston

Author:Alexa Aston [Aston, Alexa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2023-03-16T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Fia practiced another two songs, satisfied with her level of play. The harp had always been an innate part of her. Plucking its strings seemed second nature to her. Playing the pianoforte was slightly different. While she had hundreds of songs in her head that she could play on it from memory, practicing the instrument was something she knew she must keep up. It was too easy for her fingers to become tangled otherwise on complicated runs. She did not think Margaret or Daniel would mind her practicing in this music room, which also contained a pianoforte, as did their drawing room.

What she struggled with now was whether or not she should let the room at Mrs. Kent’s boardinghouse. The place was far from her Mayfair students. She would not have extra coins to be taking hansom cabs to and from the lessons. In fact, once Parkhurst realized she was no longer under his roof and thumb, she did not know if those lessons would even continue. She knew he could be vindictive and since he had never liked her, Fia believed he would spread vicious rumors about her, causing her to lose her pupils. Even if she were allowed to continue teaching a handful, she would have to discuss with those parents about changing the financial arrangement in order for her to be compensated and not her cousin.

It might be best to merely cut ties with her students and take up dressmaking as she pursued a musical career of her own. Fia hoped that Margaret would allow her to keep the musical instruments she had brought with her to the duke’s townhouse in this music room after she left. Since practicing in the boardinghouse would not be practical, as she couldn’t disturb the other boarders, she would ask her friend if she could stop by daily to practice here. In the quiet of this music room, Fia also hoped to continue writing her own music, something she had only begun during the months she lived in the country with Lord and Lady Capwell.

A knock sounded at the door, and she rose to answer it, finding Hampton on the other side.

“It is teatime, my lady. Her Grace is requesting your presence in the drawing room.”

“Thank you,” she said to the butler. “I will go immediately.”

When Fia entered the room, it did not surprise her to see the Duke of Linberry still there. It seemed as if he had formed a friendship with Daniel, and Fia supposed Linberry would be a frequent visitor to the house. She would need to avoid him as much as possible.

Even though she longed for his kiss.

“Ah, there you are, Fia,” Margaret said. “Come join us. His Grace was kind enough to stay for tea. Gran is out visiting with friends.”

Fia took a seat on the settee beside the duke, again catching a whiff of his tantalizing cologne.

“Did you have a good practice with your harp?” he asked her.

“Yes, Your Grace. I will need to meet with Lady Capwell, however, and see what I am to play at her ball.

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