Page 34 of Drowned in the Pleasure of a Devilish Baron
“It never hurts for a lady to be accompanied by her chaperone, my dear,” Lady Marlow said in a tone that brooked no argument. “Even if one is not necessary.”
Sarah thought quickly. If she protested too much, her mother would immediately suspect something. But if Rebecca were to come, and Felix was there as well… there would be no kissing, that was for certain. The thought of not being able to touch Felix pushed her to try one last time.
“Mother, you know Rebecca and I do not get on very well. Please don’t make her come with me today. She will only fill the room with her judgement of the musical number we’re practicing.”
“That’s precisely why she should be going with you. With all this practice, I’m sure the two of you would benefit from an extra set of ears to listen to you play and provide some honest feedback, in an appropriate manner, of course. Remember, she used to work for Lady Haverly, who was a wonderful singer. She may have some pointers that she picked up to share with you.”
Sarah’s heart sank. Her reason for visiting Juliet had come back to bite her. There was nothing she could do about it now. Heading upstairs, she wrapped the muslin in paper and put it in a drawer, ready to be worked on once more this evening. Luckily, she and Juliet had practiced a few songs together as a way to give truth to Sarah’s lies and ease her conscious, or else she would be very anxious, indeed, about the coming day.
Rebecca entered to help her dress. “What will you wear to Lady Cunningham’s today, Miss? Something not too tight on the chest, I think, since you are to be singing?”
Sarah nodded without a smile. Rebecca chose a plain white gown and held it up for approval.
“That’s fine.” She had planned to wear her blue cotton gown today, specifically because it was a bit tight in the chest. That, and Felix had said it made her eyes shine as blue as the sky when she wore it. There was no point in dressing for him now. She almost hoped he wasn’t coming at all, so she would not have to worry about how to act with Rebecca watching them.
Rebecca gathered Sarah’s hair into a high bun, tying back stray curls with a ribbon. She appraised herself in the mirror. Though it was a simple hairstyle, Rebecca was adept at placing the bun and the ribbon just right, elongating Sarah’s neck and highlighting her features.
“Thank you, Rebecca.”
Rebecca took that as an opening to speak. “What number have you and Lady Cunningham been working on?”
“It’s calledDrown it in the Bowl.” Sarah said shortly as she tied a shawl around her shoulders to protect herself from the sun and took her parasol from Rebecca.
“I’ve never heard that one, miss.” Rebecca’s eyes were bright. “Can you tell me about it?”
She bit back a sigh. “Juliet heard it in London. It sounds like it would be a sad song, but it’s not. It’s about looking for the good amongst the bad.”
As they took their seats in the carriage, Rebecca rubbed her hands together. “I look forward to hearing you sing it, Miss.”
* * *
Though the day was dreary and rainy, Felix’s spirts were high.
I can’t wait to tell Sarah. Everything is falling into place now.
He knew that today was not the right day, however, not quite yet. As he dressed and rode Acorn once more to Cunningham Manor—a trip he had taken so often now that he was sure he and Acorn both could make it in their sleep—he thought only of seeing her sweet face, of touching his lips to hers. He urged Acorn on, ready to get there, ready to be with her once more.
Work on the buildings had begun, so he was arriving later than he might have normally. Though no real work was required of him, and in fact, it would be frowned upon in thetonfor him to even take part in it at all, he was eager to ensure things were done properly. This was his chance to make a name for himself, to carry on his family’s legacy, and most importantly, to win Sarah’s hand in marriage.
He was whistling to himself as he was greeted at the door by Mr. Beeton.
“Good morning, Sir Felix, Lady Cunningham and—”
Whatever the message the butler was trying to say, Felix waved it off.
“I can hear Lady Cunningham playing, and Miss Marlow singing. I’ll see myself to the back room, thank you, Beeton.” He continued down the hall, his steps light, but no longer whistling. He could hear the sweet strains of a song coming from the drawing room.
“The glossy sparkle on the board,
The wine is ruby bright,
The reign of pleasure is restor’d,
Of ease and fond delight.”
He had heard Sarah and Juliet practice together before, but today the words and sweet melody hooked him like they hadn’t before. Entranced, he followed the sound back to the drawing room, wanting nothing but to continue to hear Sarah’s sweet voice sing.
He stood in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt the song. As Sarah was standing behind the piano, facing the doorway, she noticed him at once, and their eyes locked. She continued to sing.
