The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Author:Julie Klassen
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: FIC042030, FIC042040, FIC042000, Regency fiction, Love stories, Christian fiction
ISBN: 9781441261090
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2012-10-22T16:00:00+00:00

Lady Weston had decided to end the Penberthys’ visit with an afternoon concert. So after church, a buffet meal awaited them at home: breads, cold meats and cheeses, salads and desserts.

Then they all adjourned to the music room, where Mr. and Miss Smallwood joined them at Lady Weston’s behest, to add to the illusion of a proper audience. It irked Henry to see the respected tutor and his lovely daughter seated at the back of the room.

Julian took his place on the bench. He announced, “Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata in C Minor.”

He struck the jarring opening bars.

The music hit Henry like fists to his heart, followed by softer, apologetic caresses. Then the dramatic notes spun away in a bright, whirling dance, rising to a fevered pitch, so loud it nearly hurt Henry’s ears. Again and again Julian reached a reverberating crescendo, only to fall away into a gentler refrain. It put Henry in mind of delicate flower petals laid on an anvil, struck again and again by a merciless hammer.

The sonata was not to Henry’s taste, but he knew he was no great judge of music. He glanced over and noticed Mrs. Penberthy exchange a suitably impressed glance with Lady Weston. Her opinion being all that mattered, Henry sat back to endure the rest of the performance.

After Julian finished and accepted their applause, Lady Weston suggested, “Perhaps now Miss Penberthy will favor us with a piece?”

“If you like,” Tressa said, rising. “Though I fear I play very ill compared to young Mr. Weston there.”

Julian smiled thinly at the compliment wrapped in a remark about his age.

“Perhaps Phillip will be so good as to turn the pages for Miss Penberthy?” Lady Weston looked significantly at Phillip, who reddened but rose dutifully.

Julian said, “I shall do it, Mamma. For I am right here already and am far more familiar with music than Phillip is.”

Lady Weston’s smile tightened. “No doubt, Julian. But oblige me and allow Phillip to assist Miss Penberthy.”

Julian scowled and flopped into a nearby chair, crossing his arms over his narrow chest.

Miss Penberthy played, and very accomplished she was. Henry did notice one slightly off-key note and told himself they ought to get the old thing tuned one of these days.

When Miss Penberthy finished her piece, he joined the others in polite applause.

“Well”—Mrs. Penberthy rose—“this has been quite a pleasant visit. Tressa and I thank you all for your kind hospitality, but I am afraid we must excuse ourselves to prepare for our departure.”

Lady Weston rose as well. “So soon? How quickly the time has flown. But isn’t that always the way it is when friends meet? You and I were already friends, and I hope the same may be said of our children, now that other bonds of . . . affection . . . have been formed.”

Henry noticed Mrs. Penberthy did not quite meet Lady Weston’s eager gaze when she replied, “Well, of course we are all now better acquainted.”

Lady Weston smiled. “And hopefully you will both visit us

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