Page 92 of The Best of Friends
“Several a year since I was at Eton.”
That surprised his guest.
“I did mention that in my application,” Toss said. “I was honest enough to acknowledge that my earliest efforts lacked polish, but I dedicated myself to my studies while at Cambridge, and I believe I have improved tremendously since then. I also know that I have a great deal yet to learn and anticipate improving further in the years to come.”
“Are all your compositions exclusively for the pianoforte?”
“Most are for at least four instruments. I have two for a chamber orchestra.”
“And you mentioned this in your application?” It wasn’t doubt, necessarily, that filled Mr. Williams’s question but confusion.
“I was very detailed, sir. But without completing my course of study and with no member of the society to vouch for me, there were too many questions about my abilities and understanding of the technical aspects of composition.”
Mr. Williams nodded minutely. “The Royal Society of Musicians’ support funds and resources are limited. We do have to take great care with how many people can draw on them.”
Toss couldn’t, andwouldn’t, argue with him. He understood their hesitation even if he didn’t agree with their decision in his case.
“Please play your selection,” Mr. Williams said. “Whatever composition you would prefer.”
With a dip of his head, Toss moved to the stool and sat. He took a quick breath. His eyes darted to Daria. She smiled reassuringly.
He set his fingers lightly on the keys, not yet pressing them. He knew what he needed to play: “Daria’s Tune.” How fitting that the composition she had inspired now stood at the ready as he made another attempt at securing their future together.
A feeling of utter calm settled over him as he played the opening strains. That calm warmed into comfort and peace and familiarity. He never grew entirely unaware of Mr. Williams listening and evaluating him, but foremost in his mind was Daria. She was always present in his thoughts and his heart when he played her song. Always. She’d been there as he’d written it. How was it he hadn’t realized for so long that he’d fallen entirely in love with her?
The tune reached its conclusion, a soft and gentle final refrain. Applause sounded from around the room. Duke and Fennel, Charlie and Artemis, and the duke and duchess had all slipped inside as he’d played, and he hadn’t noticed.
Toss stood and offered a quick bow. Raising his head once more, he looked at Daria. She watched him with her hands pressed to her heart and a smile of absolutely delighted pride on her face. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had looked at him that way.
Daria turned to Mr. Williams. Toss did as well, hope fighting with wariness. He’d been rejected by the Royal Society of Musicians once already. There was every chance he was about to be again.
“You have talent,” Mr. Williams acknowledged, “and you’ve clearly learned technique.”
Toss was very nearly holding his breath.
“How hard are you willing to work to build on that, to prove yourself to those in the society who might not be entirely convinced?”
“I have never been quelled by hard work, Mr. Williams. And working hard at my music, in particular, is more a joy than work. I have a chance to return to Cambridge and continue my studies, which I hope will help the Royal Society think better of my qualifications. And I am willing to work in the years that follow to continue to prove myself if need be.”
Mr. Williams stood and crossed to Toss. “There is an apprenticeship available through the Royal Society of Musicians. The income is small but livable. The apprenticeship would serve to fill the gaps in your educationandoffer direct indications to the Royal Society of your abilities, talents, and work ethic. In a year’s time, if you have indeed proven yourself, you would have the opportunity to apply for full membership.”
Toss’s jaw dropped, and his eyes pulled wide. “Truly?”
Mr. Williams nodded. “You could, if enough frugality were exercised, support yourself and a wife.” He gave Toss a knowing look. “Veryfrugally, I must emphasize. But it would be possible.”
He could complete his education away from Cambridge, meaning he wouldn’t have to leave Daria behind. And he could, in a year’s time, reapply to the Royal Society of Musicians. And in the meantime, he would have an income.
Toss looked once more at Daria, knowing the question that hovered in his expression. She nodded eagerly.
Hardly believing all that had occurred so quickly, he held a hand out to Mr. Williams. “Thank you for this opportunity. I promise it will not prove a waste of the society’s resources.”
“I have no worries on that score.” Mr. Williams shook Toss’s hand. “Let us see if His Grace will allow us the use of his library so I can explain the details.”
As Toss was ushered out of the room, he looked back one more time at his darling Daria. A smile passed between them, a moment of silent understanding, a tying together of two hearts that finally had the hope of being together sooner rather than later.
Chapter Thirty-five
Falstone House was a bitchaotic that afternoon. Artemis had decided Toss’s apprenticeship warranted a celebration, which sent much of the staff as well as Artemis, Daria, and the duchess into a frenzy of quick planning.
