The Phantom of Valletta by Hopkins Vicki

Author:Hopkins, Vicki [Hopkins, Vicki]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Holland Legacy Publishing
Published: 2011-02-22T06:00:00+00:00

* * *

Andrea made the purchase of perfume and returned to find Désirée working in the auditorium dusting the arms of the seats. As she watched her go about her duties, she stood for a few minutes observing her movements and paying close attention to her physical appearance. She was a beautiful woman, but Andrea did not like the mysterious aura of her personality. After she pushed her thoughts aside, she walked down the aisle and came up behind Désirée as she dusted an armchair.

“Might I have a word with you?”

The young woman whirled around startled by her presence with a look of shock on her face.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t wish to surprise you. I hate it when someone does that to me. Forgive me.” Andrea smiled and explained her presence. “I have something for you.” She held out a small white box tied with a pink ribbon.

“For me?” Désirée eyed the package.

Andrea noted her hesitation before accepting it. “Yes, your teacher requested that I procure for you a fragrance that is a bit more appealing to his sense of smell.” She smiled, satisfied with her explanation. “Sit and let’s talk,” she suggested, motioning to one of the seats.

Désirée examined the box curiously. “Go ahead and open it,” Andrea encouraged her.

She carefully untied the pink bow and lifted the lid slowly to see a bottle of Eau de Parfum of Rose inside. A smile spread across her face, and she let out a girlish giggle.

“I guess he prefers that I toss out my lilac fragrance.” She removed the bottle and squeezed the aromatic ball sending a spray of fragrance to her wrist. Désirée took a sniff.

“A kind gesture, indeed, but it’s not my favorite scent,” she honestly confessed. “I will wear it for his sake, so I don’t gag him in our lessons.” She replaced the bottle and closed the box. “Will you thank him for me?” she asked, lifting her eyes to Andrea.

“Well, I think, dear, that is something you can do when you see him again at your next lesson.” She paused studying the young woman’s demeanor, trying to ascertain if she felt any affection for Erik. “Are you enjoying your lessons with him?”

“Oh, yes,” she blurted out, without hesitancy. “He’s been exceedingly kind to teach me, though I fear I will not be able to play with any proficiency. I only hope he continues to be patient, for I will never make the melodious sounds of his violin.” She paused thoughtfully and then confessed her heart. “I love to hear him play. It’s quite soothing.”

Andrea nodded her head in agreement. She noted Désirée’s term of love to describe Erik’s skill. “Yes, he is a genius in many ways. I’ve never heard anyone in my entire life bring forth such power and feeling from the violin. It’s a gift, I believe, to make up for what he lacks. Though, I think Erik would disagree.”

“You mean his deformity?”

Surprised that she mentioned it in such casual conversation, Andrea continued the discussion to ascertain her true feelings.

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