Page 91 of Duke of Diamonds
As the conversation shifted to general society gossip, Hester leaned in slightly and said, “Have you heard? Lord Canterlack has been rather shunned of late. Entirely snubbed at the Carrington ball, and Lady Rosethorne refused to acknowledge him in Hyde Park.”
The remark landed like a stone in a pond, and there was silence. Fiona felt Isaac still beside her. She turned her head just slightly—enough to catch the tension in his jaw, the way his fingers curled slightly against the tablecloth. He said nothing.
Elaine glanced quickly at him, then at Fiona, and with a breezy tone that felt just a bit too sudden, declared, “You must play something for us, my dear. That pianoforte has been woefully neglected tonight.”
Fiona gave a mock gasp, one brow arching. “Another solo?”
Elaine clutched her heart theatrically. “Must I get on my knees?”
Fiona laughed. “Very well. But how about another duet?”
A delighted murmur stirred among the ladies. “Oh, it isn’t every day we’re treated to a duet,” Hester said.
“Indeed not,” added Nancy. “The last time was during your wedding week. I’ve not stopped thinking about it.”
Anna grinned. “Come now, Elaine. You mustn’t let us down.”
Elaine smiled and rose, casting a playful glance over her shoulder. “Let it not be said I lack a sense of occasion.”
They moved to the drawing room and settled side by side at the pianoforte, and the first soft notes filled the room. Fiona’s fingers moved with practiced ease, but it was the sound of her sister-in-law’s harmony that brought a true grin to her face.
Their melodies wove together effortlessly, laughter glancing between them with every flourish.
When the final chord faded, Copperton gave a slow clap. “You are surrounded by quite the talent, Craton.”
Fiona caught the flicker of pride in Isaac’s expression before he masked it with another sip of his port.
“That was a breeze,” Elaine said, stretching her fingers with satisfaction.
Fiona followed her gaze—only to notice it linger on a painting just above the instrument.
One of the canvases from the hidden room. Elaine’s brow furrowed slightly. A strange stillness settled over her expression.
But before she could speak?—
“Oh goodness, look at the time,” Anna announced as she stood. “I had no idea it was so late.”
“Nor I,” Nancy added, gathering her shawl.
Hester gave a regretful nod. “It’s been such a lovely evening, but I fear we must be off.”
The party moved toward the front hall, farewells warm and full of laughter.
“It was a most marvelous evening, Fiona,” Anna said, taking her hand. “You must host again soon.”
“Indeed,” Hester added. “And next time, you’ll play two duets.”
Fiona smiled and saw them to the door.
But as she, Isaac, Elaine, and Samuel returned toward the drawing room, Elaine paused in the corridor.
Her eyes had landed on another canvas—one Fiona had hung just outside the library.
Elaine stopped.
“I see you’ve finally found places for Mary’s paintings, Isaac,” she said. “I must say, the house looks wonderful. And the art pieces add such life to it.”
Fiona’s gaze shifted between Elaine and the painting, her brow drawing in faint confusion—until her eyes fell on Isaac.
