Page 51 of My Blind Duke
“Lead the way, then.”
Excitedly, Melanie all but dragged Prudence to the music room, with the duke following closely behind. Once they were inside, Melanie let go of Prudence’s hand to go and hold her father’s so she could lead him to the seat they had prepared for him.
Then she went to settle herself on the bench before the piano, wriggling her fingers to stretch them out as she straightened her posture. She looked at Prudence who gave her a nod of encouragement and then she started to play.
Although the duchess had been right next to Melanie as she practiced the song, and they had even written it together, she was left in awe of the child’s performance. She had noticed that Melanie had an easy time grasping the constructs of pianoforte, and she sounded better each time she played.
Perhaps she had inherited her genius from her father. Although Prudence had yet to receive the honor of listening to William play, she believed Melanie wholly when the child said her father was a great musician. William exuded a distinguished air that most artists Prudence had seen in passing seemed to carry with them.
While Melanie played, Prudence watched William’s face, taking note of the smallest changes in his expression. Still, it was hard to tell what he was thinking, and when the playing stopped, the room was deathly silent.
“Well?” Melanie asked, uncertainly.
“You… you wrote that?” William asked silently.
Melanie shifted nervously. “Pru – I mean, Her Grace did help me–”
“Do not be modest, darling. You came up with most of it, all on your own,” Prudence cut in, ensuring William knew just how wonderful his daughter was.
It seemed she did not need to do much because William began to clap.
“Bravo! That was truly splendid, Melanie! Absolutely phenomenal!”
Melanie perked up, cheeks red with pride. “Really, Papa?”
William nodded. “Yes, dear. I am truly so proud. That was beautiful.”
“Thank you, Papa. I am so glad you like it… because I was hoping we could play it together?”
Uncertainty crossed William’s face.
“I do not think that is… I would not want to ruin your lovely piece, Melanie.”
“You would not! I wrote it for us, so I would love to have you try your hand at it.”
Prudence saw William felt as though he would not be able to give Melanie what she wanted but she hoped he would try nonetheless.
“I… all right. But… do not expect too much,” he mumbled, moving toward the piano.
Melanie beamed up at him as he settled down next to her, practically purring as he patted her head.
“Papa, you are the greatest musician there is! You will do great.”
“I will not be. I cannot read the sheet music,” William admitted. “So, I think you should play the song again, and I will try to follow your lead the second time around.”
“All right, Papa.” Melanie nodded and immediately turned to the piano.
Just like she had the first time, she played splendidly. The whole time her fingers danced across the keys delicately, William had his eyes closed and Prudence could see his hands moving but no extra notes hit the air. When Melanie finished, he opened his eyes.
“Can you try it with me now?” Melanie asked.
William nodded and then he rested his hands on the keys, waiting for Melanie’s lead.
After what felt like a long pause, Melanie started and William followed, both of them creating the most beautiful melodies Prudence had ever heard before.
Father and daughter wore pinched expressions that portrayed how focused they were and it was going so well… until William pressed down on the wrong key and a harsh note pierced the air.
“Ah–”
