Page 21 of A Governess' Forbidden Flame
“Do you think the ghosts would like it if we played some more?” Anna suddenly wondered. “They must be terribly lonesome.”
Amelia could tell how sympathetic and kind her little ward was. “Well, my dear, I believe that music has a way of reaching everyone, even the spirits that might linger in these halls. Shall we play a tune and see if we can captivate the unseen audience?”
Amelia wasn’t certain if Sebastian would approve of this, but she didn’t care about that now. The look of joy in Anna’s eyes was too priceless as she nodded eagerly. Together, they settled by the harp. Amelia gently plucked the strings, producing a soft, enchanting melody that echoed through the attic. Anna, caught up in the magical moment, swayed to the rhythm, her giggling joining the ethereal notes.
The music continued to weave through the dusty air of the attic. Whether or not there were ghosts listening, the joy of the moment seemed to transcend the boundaries of the visible and the unseen, transforming what was usually a dark, dusty place into a magical haven where music and laughter reigned.
When Amelia stopped, Anna’s eyes widened. “Can we play some more? Please?”
“Of course.” Amelia nodded tenderly, her fingers continuing with their impromptu lessons.
The old strings hummed with each gentle pluck, creating a harmonious atmosphere that echoed through the space around them. Amelia guided Anna through the basics of playing, explaining the intricacies of the instrument with patience and warmth. As the lessons progressed, the initial hesitancy in Anna’s fingers transformed into confident strokes, and a melody began to take shape.
“I’m doing it, Miss Wycliffe!” she exclaimed joyfully. “I’m doing it!”
“You are, my dear.” Amelia chuckled sweetly at the sight.
The two of them laughed and chatted between chords, creating an ambiance of joy and camaraderie. The dusty attic, once filled only with forgotten relics, now resonated with the lively tunes of their practice sessions. It seemed to Amelia that with each passing note, the ghosts of the manor, if they existed, were drawn into the mirthful atmosphere. The music, a bridge between the present and the past, carried the promise of more delightful moments in the days to come.
After what felt like just a moment, but Amelia was certain that it was hours, Anna had a suggestion.
“Could we surprise Uncle Sebastian with the harp? I bet he’s never heard such beautiful music in the manor before!”
Amelia smiled at Anna’s eagerness, finding her youthful excitement contagious. “That is a splendid idea, Anna. I’m certain that your uncle would relish some musical joy, but perhaps we should do it during dinner time, so we do not interrupt his work.”
Anna didn’t seem very satisfied, but she quickly turned her attention back to the instrument. “That’s quite all right. It will give me more time to practice.”
“Why don’t we bring it to your room and polish it a little?” Amelia suggested. “After all, it will have an important audience this evening.”
“Yes! Let’s!” Anna clapped her hands again.
Together, they struggled to bring the harp down, preparing to share their musical discovery with Sebastian.
Chapter 12
“Where on earth did you find that old thing?” Sebastian’s eyes widened at the surprise that awaited him when he entered the dining room.
“In the attic,” Anna replied importantly, adjusting herself by the beautiful instrument, which now shone as if it were made of sparkling dust.
“What were you doing up there?” he wondered, concerned. There were too many dark corners there, hiding sharp, unsafe objects.
“Just…looking,” Anna said mischievously.
“It is my fault, my lord,” Amelia interrupted. “I suggested we should do something adventurous to start our day and have it head in that direction.”
He couldn’t help but wonder whether that had something to do with their conversation about the Knights Templar and the old documents. Maybe the two of them were on a treasure hunt of their own? He couldn’t say that he liked that very much, but he trusted Amelia to know what she was doing.
“May I play for you, Uncle?” Anna asked, now seated near the grand harp adorned with intricate carvings. He had no idea who the instrument had belonged to, but that didn’t matter. It seemed that it had found a new owner, a very enthusiastic one at that.
“It would be my pleasure to be your audience.” He smiled, leaning back in his chair.
As she plucked the strings, the gentle melody resonated through the room, filling the space with a delicate, enchanting sound. The harp’s strings, finely tuned, emitted a gentle, resonant hum, each pluck adding a layer to the harmonious composition. The higher notes chimed like crystalline bells, while the lower ones rumbled with a soothing depth. Occasionally, there were moments of hesitation, where a note might falter slightly, creating a charming imperfection in the overall melody. These subtle variations only added to the authenticity of Anna’s performance, infusing the room with an enchanting atmosphere. The sounds, though not flawlessly executed, carried the earnest efforts of a young girl eager to share her newfound skill with those around her.
The moment the sounds stopped, Anna lifted her gaze at them both in expectation. Needless to say, Sebastian and Amelia were thoroughly impressed by Anna’s heartfelt performance. Momentarily, they broke into warm applause. Their hands coming together in a rhythmic clap echoed through the room,acknowledging the girl’s effort and the genuine joy her music brought to the otherwise quiet manor.
“I can’t remember the last time this old home heard such heartwarming music,” Sebastian said, while his eyes held a proud gleam.
While the music was far from perfection, Anna’s efforts were bountifully rewarded. It was obvious that she had talent and an ear for music. Sebastian hoped that she would choose to pursue it further.
