Page 65 of The Best of Friends
Daria’s gaze focused more and grew a little concerned. “What’s the matter?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
She set her hand lightly atop his. “You are smiling and have likely been laughing and bouncing about the room, but your eyes are sad, Toss. What’s happened?”
She had seen through the mask he wore. So few did. And finding sorrow beneath it, she hadn’t walked away, dismissed it, or ridiculed him.
“The Royal Society of Musicians responded to my application by saying they are not convinced I qualify for membership.”
Her brow pulled sharply. “Did they give you a reason?”
He nodded. “I did not complete my education.”
“But that’s not your fault,” she said fiercely. “That’s to be laid at Laurence’s feet. And besides, you completednearlyall of it. Surely that must be taken into consideration.”
Such an ardent and immediate defense of him. How he needed it. “They haven’t entirely ruled out the possibility that I might eventually be admitted as a member, but for the time being, I have, in essence, been rejected. Without their assistance, I cannot hope to have any financial independence, which means I am at Laurence’s mercy.”
“I’m not certain he knows the meaning of that word.” Daria hadn’t been distracted for a moment from her concern for him, despite the fact that the most important event of her life up to that point was about to occur and her hoped-for future hung in the balance. “I suspect you need a hug every bit as much as I needed one yesterday.”
“I confess I do,” he said with a sigh, seeing the same disappointment in her eyes that he felt knowing there was no possible way for such a thing with so many people about. “I promise you, I will not let this disappointment dampen my spirits tonight. By the time your guests arrive, I will have myself fully in hand. Those who spend their evening here will have no reason to be distracted from their enjoyment of it.”
A look of mischievous amusement began tugging at her features. “I think I might have a means of raising those spirits even quicker.”
“You have me intrigued,” he said.
She took hold of his hand and pulled him away from the table on which he had placed the music. He shifted his hand enough to interweave their fingers. She called out to their friends, asking them to come join her for a moment in the middle of the music room.
Once they were assembled, she said, “Thank you for coming to help. I appreciate it so much.” She looked to Artemis. “It’s time you told them.”
Told them? Told themwhat?
Everyone watched Artemis, who stepped forward, enjoying her moment of theatricality. “My dearest Huntresses and gentlemen without a name, I have kept a secret from you, a secret that would have brought you great joy but instead has broughtmegreat joy in keeping it from you.” She looked to Charlie. “My dear, would you mind going and giving a quick knock followed by two slow knocks on the door just over there?” She motioned toward the door leading to an adjoining room.
In the years leading up to their marriage, Charlie and Artemis had nursed a mutual dislike and distrust of each other. That Charlie immediately bounded over, excited to see what his wife had up her sleeve, was testament to how much their relationship had changed.
Toss kept hold of Daria’s hand as he watched Charlie follow Artemis’s instructions. Only by sheer willpower did he keep himself from wrapping his arms around Daria.
The door flung open.
A voice inside said, “I think we were in here far longer than was actually necessary.”
The next instant, Duke and Fennel stepped into the room. Nothing short of the surprise arrival of two of his best friends in all the world could have torn him temporarily away from Daria. He, Newton, and Charlie rushed over to them, welcoming them warmly, shaking hands, and tossing arms around each other, all while laughing at the trick they’d played.
“How long will you be in London?” Charlie asked.
“A week,” Duke said.
“When did you arrive?” Newton pressed.
“Last night. We stayed with my oldest sister,” Fennel said. “And Charlie’s oldest brother, of course.” Those two were married, making Charlie and Fennel brothers-in-law of a sort.
“Philip kept this a secret.” Charlie shook his head in amazement. “I’m shocked to hear he managed to keepanythinga secret.” They all laughed more.
Soon enough, the Huntresses joined them. Colm and Tobias were introduced to the newest arrivals, and everyone’s excitement for the evening grew a thousandfold.
In the midst of it, Daria was pulled away again to see to matters pertaining to the evening. Toss watched her go, feeling his heart go with her. She brought such joy and cared so much for people. That she loved him as he loved her was remarkable and amazing.
But he’d just lost his claim to the one path that would have given them a future together. And he hadn’t the first idea what came next.
