Page 18 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“I do not see how, My Lady. If you feel you must then you are most welcome. “He replied.
“Please do excuse me, Your Grace.” Charlotte said as she went to the harp that was visible from the dining area. The last person who had played that harp had been his late mother. He found his feelings were mixed as she sat down nearby. He expected unpleasant memories to flood him the moment that instrument was strung into life.
Then when she played the first piece of music, he took a deep, steadying breath and watched in awe. Where his mother hadtaken her anger out when she had played. Charlotte had a light touch that barely seemed to graze each chord.
The melody she played lifted his heart and made his throat close with emotion. This was an honest moment where her true character shone through. A nurturing spirit was evident in her that he knew he was in danger of becoming addicted to.
People in his life had always been harsh to him. He had not once been consoled as a child and found he wanted to be cared about.
It is cruel that all I have wanted is right here before me and she will turn from me like all the others have. She has already recoiled at my appearance, it will not be much longer before I will have to watch her leave as well! The thought pained him.
“Lord and Lady Miller, Your Grace.” A man servant announced as Cecil and his wife entered the room.
Both Cecil and his wife greeted the duke with a slight bow and curtsy.
“Welcome, please do take a seat,” the duke said,and in moments their chairs were pulled out from the table by servants.
“Thank you,” Cecil said first to the duke, and then to the servants as he seated his wife before himself.
The duke was unsure if the interruption had saved him from deeper thought or if he would have preferred to watch her play for hours. He could not deny that his temples had not caused him discomfort since she had started to play. The duke felt a pang of guilt wash over him and wavered whether he should take her to town as a test after all.
“Your Grace, if I may. That has to be the most beautiful harp I have yet heard. I mean no disrespect to your late mother, Your Grace.” Cecil said.
“Cecil that is most kind, on both counts,” the duke replied knowing that his mother had barely scraped at the word ‘talented’. His gaze left Cecil and his wife and was drawn once again to Charlotte. Her delicate hands coerced an effortless harmony that drifted on the air itself.
The duke looked to his guests who had fallen under the same spell. He felt pride rise in his chest and wondered when he had ever been able to feel that before.
Perhaps I should have ended the courtship instead of declaring it in force. This young Lady rouses memories and needs within my mind I can never hope she would want with me.
The duke reminded himself once again of the stark reality she was forming a habit of blurring.
Abruptly Charlotte stopped playing and got up to greet their guests. The duke watched as she approached and found even that simple action memorizing.
Get yourself together man! His mind roared at him. It has been long since a woman has been your personal guest, that does not mean that you should spend every moment overextending your politeness!
Introductions were made and the supper was a relaxed and most pleasant evening. The duke found himself in good humor and the food had never tasted so delicious. The duke felt a tiny spark of hope that gave him too much joy to extinguish with his reality. They visited late into the night and were invited to stay the night rather than risk being out too late.
Everyone retired to their rooms after desert, all except Lord Wentworth who was called by the duke for a word.
“Your Grace wanted to see me.?” Lord Wentworth asked.
“Yes, thank you. I wanted to enquire whether Bethany has settled in,” the duke replied.
“Your Grace has been most hospitable. My daughter plays the harp when she is in a favorable demeanor.”
“That brings me relief,” the duke replied, wanting to ask how she felt about his appearance. He was however not in the mood to be placated by lies that she had no misgivings.
“I bid you good evening, Lord Wentworth.” The duke dismissed him.
“Your Grace.” Lord Wentworth said with a slight nod and left.
The duke called to be taken to his room and felt exhausted. It had been years since he had new guests. This would be the first time an unmarried women would stay with him, let alone one of such remarkable character and beauty.
The duke fell asleep as soon as he settled into his bed. His last thoughts were curiosity at how the next day might play out. The sunrise seemed to come in an instant yet he felt well rested. He called to his servants to dress him and get him into his chair. The carriage was ready and waiting. Moments later, she and her father joined him. He felt ridiculous being carried into the carriage, but it was vital to keep his abilities secret.
Once they reached town it was on one of the busiest times of the month. Those walking from one establishment to the next, stopped to watch them arrive.
Gasps and murmurs could be heard as the duke was helped into his chair. People stared at the duke and his company as they left their carriage. They made no attempt to hide their disgust. The duke looked at Charlotte expecting her to exhibit the same shame he felt. To his utter amazement she looked livid.
