Page 12 of Pippa of Lauramore
“No, you’re not.”
We reach Master Draeger’s music hall, and Anna raps three times on the tall, wooden door. It swings open, and there stands my music instructor, looking more dour than usual.
“Good morning, Master Draeger,” I say cheerfully.
His bushy gray eyebrow twitches. “Good morning, Philippa.”
There’s only a select few who use my full, dreadful name. Master Draeger is one of them.
He ushers us in, nodding respectfully to Anna. “Good morning, Lady Annora.”
She gives him a small, sympathetic smile. “I’m so sorry, Master Draeger. You should be enjoying the festivities.”
It’s not the first time I’ve heard a family member apologize to someone charged with my care and learning. I wander to the harp while they share their condolences with each other. The instrument sits before me in all its polished beauty. I glare at it. Having almost completely given up on my singing ability, Master Draeger decided I should practice the harp. Very suitable, he said.
Anna sits in her usual spot in the corner by the window and takes out her embroidery. Her entire skirt is covered in delicate, floral threads, and so is the neckline on her bodice. Her room is covered in tapestries andembroidered cloth. No fabric is safe from a needle when Anna is around.
“We will begin with the harp, and then we will practice your singing.” He cringes.
Honestly, I’m notthatbad.
I pluck at the harp until the palace bell rings, signaling the half-hour. My back is stiff from leaning over, and I’m glad to be finished. I stand on the wooden practice stage, only one step high, and Master Draeger comes to the podium in front of me.
He grimaces. “Begin your scales.”
I think I’m improving—I really do. I warm up, working hard to hit the notes. I’m a little shrill, and both Anna and Draeger wince when I reach the top notes. I take a deep breath, remembering to stand straight and keep my muscles taut, just as Draeger has instructed. There’s a small part of the scales, toward the very middle, where I think I sound nice. When I’m in those, Anna and Draeger’s faces smooth out for the moment.
I stop, frustrated. “Why can’t I just sing something in the middle?”
“We’ve discussed this.” He frowns, and his eyebrow twitches again.
“Butwhydoes a lady have to sing at the top of the scales?”
Anna looks up. “That’s simply the way it is, Pippa. Stop hassling Master Draeger.” She turns to the master. Her voice fake and bright, she asks, “With more practice, she’ll get better, won’t she?”
Draeger looks incredulous, but he answers, “Of course she will. Lots and lots of practice.”
A chorus of bells signals the hour, and I stumble down the stage, relieved music is over.
“Pippa,”Sir Kimble greets me. There’s an unmistakable twinkle in his eye.
“Hello, Sir Uncle,” I answer, flopping down at the table covered in maps.
Sir Kimble isn’t a “sir” at all. He’s Father’s younger brother and therefore Prince Kimble. But when I was young, I thought he looked like a knight, and the name stuck. I’m the only one who uses the title, but he’s never minded.
“I have things to attend to, Pippa. I will be back for you at the hour.” Anna turns to Sir Kimble and smiles. “Please don’t let her leave without me.”
He laughs. “Who knows where she would end up?”
We both watch the door close behind her, and then he turns to me, grinning. “How was music?”
“I’m horrible.”
“Your mother is very gifted in the musical arts. I’m sure your gift is hiding in you as well.”
He’s only teasing me. We both know how terrible I am.
“It’s not fair you got roped into teaching me with the village events going on today,” I say, tapping the map. There are so many places I’ve learned about but never been to.
