Page 52 of Duke of Diamonds
A delicate flush crept across Elaine’s cheeks as she gave a modest nod.
“I dabble,” she admitted.
Fiona’s smile deepened, admiration plain upon her face.
“Oh, you must produce the most beautiful melodies,” she said, tracing a reverent finger over the intricate gold filigree adorning the pianoforte. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each detail so finely wrought it seemed a shame not to display the instrument in a Russian palace.
“Perhaps I shall give you a performance next time, and you may judge for yourself,” Elaine said with a playful lift of her brow, her gaze straying once more to the clock on the mantel, and then to the door.
Fiona noted the glances but made no comment, choosing instead to smile.
“I should very much look forward to it,” she said warmly.
Elaine, seeming to shake off her distraction, turned back to her with renewed interest.
“Do you play?” she asked.
Fiona gave a self-deprecating laugh.
“Oh, I plunk when the mood strikes, but I hardly possess either the talent or the passion to appreciate music properly, let alone compose it,” she said.
Elaine waved a dismissive hand.
“You are a humble little creature, are you not? I am certain your skills amount to more than mere plunks.”
Fiona tilted her head, a mischievous glint entering her eye.
“Perhaps I shall perform for you next time and allow you to judge for yourself,” she said, her voice light with teasing.
Their laughter chimed together, filling the drawing room with a warm, easy sound.
Elaine’s smile softened, her hands folding neatly in her lap.
“Fate has indeed smiled upon my brother by bringing you into his life,” she said.
Fiona’s cheeks coloured, and she lifted a hand in gentle protest.
“Oh, I hardly?—”
“Never mind the fact that he can be an utter bore at times,” Elaine interjected, her grin widening. “You need only continue being your delightful self. Once you know him better, you will see—he is a darling, truly.”
Fiona pressed her lips together to smother a smile.
Craton, a darling?The notion was almost laughable. Yet some part of her—the part that had seen fleeting glimpses of gentleness in his gaze—felt an odd, bubbling curiosity.
As if summoned by her very thoughts, the drawing room door opened, and the man in question stepped inside.
CHAPTER 18
Fiona straightened slightly in her seat as Isaac entered the drawing room, her breath catching with a small, unbidden start.
I had not realized tea was meant for three.
Elaine swiveled around at the sound of his approach, her hands planting firmly on her hips.
“You are late,” she said.
Isaac leaned down and kissed his sister’s cheek with a careless air.
